Jockey Ruja Lahoe (right) in overdrive aboard Inspired Miracle, finishing second behind Fault Line (left) with Christopher Mamdeen in the fifth race on Saturday, December 23, 2023. Lahoe was subsequently fined by Jamaica Racing Commission for excessive use of the whip on his horse during this race.Naphatli Junior
March 11, 2024
New whip rule
10 strikes in one race, 6 strikes in the straight
KINGSTON, Jamaica- The Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), the racing industry’s governing authority, has changed Rule 138 (5) of the Rules of Racing to limit how many times a jockey can whip a horse during a race.
In addition, the revised rule imposes harsher penalties for non-compliant jockeys. Jockeys can now hit their horses a maximum of 10 times in a single race, including six times in the straight, which is the final two furlongs.
Failure to comply may result in a suspension of no more than 25 consecutive race days, a fine of no more than $20,000, riding without the whip, or any combination of the foregoing.
Rule 138 (5) becomes effective on April 1, 2024.
-Ruddy Allen
