Is their a limit to how many times a jockey can whip his mount?

Question

Is their a limit to how many times a jockey can whip his mount?

Answer 1

No. Some t op riders are known for having a heavy whip hand; others are known for being light on the whip. Top jockeys know how to "hand ride."  

Many racehorses will only run to their max with a heavy whip, while some will stop or slow if they are hit too hard. Sometimes a rider need only show the horse the whip to get him to accelerate.

Riders have on rare occasion been fined or suspended for hitting thier mounts with a whip AFTER the race is over, out of frustration.  But the only ones who may object to legal whip use during a race is the owner or trainer.

Answer 2

Not sure about in the USA, but here across the pond the answer is technically no.  There are rules regarding the frequency of whip use (ie how many times you can hit a horse within the space of a few strides), and where the horse can be hit with the whip.

If a British jockey is found to be in breach of either of these rules he can expect a ban to be handed down.  If a jockey has more than a few whip offences within a short space of time he is referred back to the British Racing School for remedial lessons.

Answer 3

I don't think so, not in the United States, but there certainly should be limit.

Answer 4

Is there a numerical limit, No.    But if in the judges opinion, a jockey has abused the use of his whip, by over whipping a horse that obviously is "done" , or whipping after the wire, a fine or suspension can be imposed !

Answer 5

In the U.S. no.

Answer 6

not really, but you can bet if they raise a welt there will be penalties. I could be wrong but it seems there is a rule that the whip can't be raised above the shoulder, but like i said I could be wrong on that point.

*** Addition: http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp...

Answer 7

In the US their is not but in the UK I think the amount is between 7-10 times. Now on the west coast at tracks like California and Arizona they do use a more flimsy of a whip and it is supposed not hurt as bad.  Also at all tracks if the horse comes back bloody at all the jockey could face a stiff fine, so that helps keep the whip use under control.

Answer 8

No but in New York there are limits to whip length (no more than 31"), must be dark in color and must have a popper on the end .

Answer 9

no

Answer 10

until it pops, then he lights a cigarette

Answer 11

no, but they have settle down over the years, i could remember when they would whip them from flag fall to finish....now for most part they just go to the whip in the final 1/4 of a mile....