I think it’s a great idea in theory, but I will be interested to see how those changes are implemented in real life. Eliminating timed workouts only means that the people timing the works will be in the audience rather than an official FT clocker. As we saw at this year’s sale, when weather conditions caused FT to announce that subsequent horses (after a breakdown) would be galloped–not breezed–most consignors sent their horses out to breeze anyway. And, as usual, those who went the fastest brought the highest prices.
I would love to see the 2yo sales companies crack down (yet again!) on whip use, but it’s never going to happen. As long as the riders are allowed to carry whips, they’re going to use them. (And switching the whip to the inside hand doesn’t fool anyone.)
I agree with this. there are already rules in place on whip use ( for the most part) and they are clearly ignored. Some of the riders really lay into them
OBS’s Riding Policy is as follows:
Excessive use of a riding crop while on the track is prohibited. Prior to the starting pile which the horse begins to breeze, a rider may only remove their hands from the reins strike the horse two times behind the girth. Additionally, the swing of the riding crop may not be above the rider’s shoulder and the crop must remain in the “turned down” position. At any time after the starting pole which the horse begins to breeze, a rider may only use the riding crop while both hands are holding the reins and may not strike the horse behind the girth. A rider is prohibited from striking the horse in any manner behind the finish line. In situations where the safety of horse or rider is in jeopardy, a riding crop may be used in front of the girth. Excessive whipping before the beginning of the work or in preparation for the breeze is prohibited.
Any infraction of this policy may result in a fine up to $1000 per incident paid by the consignor. Chronic offenders may be banned from riding on the sales grounds. The sales company or its representatives have full, final, and sole authority to interpret and enforce this rule. Funds collected from fines levied will be distributed to a thoroughbred industry charitable organization.
Now go watch some of the live feeds of the breeze’s and tell me where and when OBS is upholding their policy.
While I’m usually against whip bans, under tack sales would be an instance where they make a lot of sense.
Or void the sale if the rider uses the whip. That would piss some people off.
I am usually ok with whip use, with the caveat that it not be overused. However, MRH had a video of one of their prospective sale horses working at a sale (can’t find it now), and wow, it seemed like that horse was being flogged.
Not against appropriate use of the stick but very in favor of toning down the blazing furlong speeds on early 2 YOs which are far faster then even QH races produce.
Maybe this is a good start…lets hope.
