1. JAMAICA RACING COMMISSION TO IMPLEMENT NEW WHIP RULE

Arguably the most significant change in horse racing in 2023, the whip’s use has long been a contentious issue worldwide. The whip intends to make horses run faster and maintain speed when they tire near a race’s end, but repeated whipping can cause physical and psychological suffering and increase injury risk, say experts. The local racing industry has managed to evade accountability for this deplorable act of animal cruelty. It’s high time the industry assesses its appropriateness and call for its abolition. After all, prohibition may enhance horsemanship skills, level the playing field, and prevent harm to horses and riders. The Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) is currently reviewing the rules on excessive whip use and is considering a new rule limiting whip strikes per race. This rule change will bring local racing in line with what is considered international standards specifically aimed at protecting the horses.