006.06.20 Ark. Code R. 012

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 10, October, 2024

Rule 006.06.20-012 - Thoroughbred Rule 2163

Thoroughbred Rule 2163

2163.

(a) All jockeys, exercise persons, outriders and other persons riding horses on the grounds of Oaklawn Park shall at all times while mounted on a horse wear appropriate protective headgear and have their chin straps fastened. This rule shall apply from the time the stable is open for training until it is closed after the race meeting, and shall be enforced by all trainers. The protective headgear must meet any of the following standards:

(1) American Society for testing and Materials (ASTM 1163);

(2) UK Standards (EN 1384 and PAS 015);

(3) Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZ 3838).

(b) No jockey (including apprentice jockeys) or exercise rider shall be allowed to ride in any race or exercise horses on the grounds of Oaklawn Park without a safety vest. The safety vest shall provide a minimum shock absorbing protection of five (5), as defined by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). The safety vest must meet one of the following standards:

(1) British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) 2000, level 2;

(2) Euro Norris (EN) 121.58 Level 1;

(3) American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) (F2681 -08);

(4) Show and Allied Trade Research Association (SATRA) (Jockey Vest Document M6 Issue 2);

(5) Australian Racing Board (ARM) (Standard 11998).

The safety vest shall weigh no more than two (2) pounds and shall not be included in a jockey's weight when weighing out to race. If a jockey fails to wear a safety vest in the running of any race, the jockey's horse shall be disqualified. The Stewards or Racing Commission may levy additional penalties or fines against the jockey or trainer.

(c)

(1) Although the use of a riding crop is not required, any jockey who uses a riding crop during a race shall do so only for safety, correction and encouragement;

(2) All riders shall comply with the following when using a riding crop:

(a) Showing the horse the riding crop and giving it time to respond before hitting it;

(b) Having used the riding crop, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again;

(c) Using the riding crop in rhythm with the horse's stride.

(3) Prohibited uses of the riding crop include but are not limited to:

(a) Striking a horse on the head, flanks or any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters except when necessary to control a horse;

(b) Striking a horse during the post parade or after the finish of the race-, or before or after a workout, except when necessary to control the horse;

(c) Striking a horse excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;

(d) Striking a horse when the horse clearly is out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing;

(e) Persistently hitting the horse even though the horse is showing no response under the riding crop, or

(f) Striking another rider or horse.

(4) All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval of the Stewards and Clerk of Scales. The only permissible riding crop for use during racing shall be the 360 Gentle Touch (360 GT) riding crop, Pro-Cush riding crop, or other similar riding crops approved by the Stewards.

(5) Use of a riding crop during workouts shall be permissible so long as such use does not violate subsections (c)(2) or (3) of this Rule.

(6) Riding crops shall have a shaft and flap and weigh a maximum of eight (8) ounces; have a maximum length, including flap, of 30 inches; a minimum shaft diameter of one-half inch and the shaft contact area must be smooth with no protrusions or raised surface and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factors of at least one-millimeter throughout its circumference.

(7) The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and the length must not be more than one inch beyond the end of the shaft, a minimum width of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches, no reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft, and shock absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of shaft.

006.06.20 Ark. Code R. 012

Adopted by Arkansas Register Volume MMXXI Number 01, Effective 1/22/2021