Dr Sophia Ramlal, a dedicated veterinarian at Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), has been at the forefront of efforts to improve horse welfare in the sport.

With the recent rule change limiting the number of times jockeys can whip a horse during a race, Dr Ramlal sees a significant step forward for the well-being of local thoroughbreds.

The new rule, which took effect on June 22, 2024, allows jockeys to use the whip up to 10 times during a race and eight times in the straight. It is an increase from the previous limit — implemented on April 1, 2024 — of six strikes in the straight.

“The obvious benefits to horses are reduced skin damage and pain associated with whip use,” Dr Ramlal explained to the
Jamaica Observer. “Additionally, horses will no longer be pushed beyond their natural limits, reducing the risk of injury.”

As the local industry adapts to the rule change, Dr Ramlal said that she expects a shift in culture and attitudes towards prioritising horse welfare. She also noted that the racing fraternity is recognising that more humane practices are necessary.

“It is agreed that for decades the use of the whip has been seen as a valuable tool for jockeys, offering them assistance in controlling and guiding their mounts. Equally accepted is that weaponising the whip is unacceptable and changing cultural norms rate whip usage distasteful, if not cruel.

“Banning whipping of racehorses has growing support in the wider society. The racing fraternity and wider society want more humane and structured whip usage. The reform started with the use of the humane whip a few years ago, and that first step was well received by stakeholders.

“The recent modifications to the whip rule are merely the continuation of the process to address the force and frequency limits in whip usage, thereby promoting equine welfare, jockey responsibility, and societal expectations,” Dr Ramlal said.

While no negative unintended consequences are anticipated, Dr Ramlal and her team will monitor the situation closely.

“Negative unintended impacts on horse welfare are not envisaged, but should they arise, they will be examined. Review of whip injury reports provided by veterinarians will be crucial in evaluating the impact of the rule change,” she said.

Dr Ramlal highlighted the importance of aligning with international best practices and research.

“Jamaica’s whip rule limits the number of strikes and force with which a horse can be hit, restricts where on the horse’s body the whip can be applied, and prohibits more than two consecutive strikes in a race. These restrictions align with international best practice and research,” she noted.

Dr Ramlal argued for additional measures, including improved training safety protocols, out-of-competition drug testing, and planned retirement of racehorses to safeguard their well-being after they finish racing.

“Better safety practices in training are needed. Races are highly regulated, but training activities are less stringently monitored and held to lower standards, for example, the equine pool. Out-of-competition drug testing and discouraging the ‘one last race syndrome’ and instead encouraging planned retirement of racehorses so they can safely transition to other careers where they can operate safely,” Dr Ramlal argued.

As the sport of horse racing evolves, Dr Ramlal said that she sees a broader impact on the equine industry, with whip use reform being practised in other disciplines.

“Whip use reform is practised in other equine disciplines, notably by FEI [International Federation for Equestrian Sports]. Our OTTBs’ [off-track thoroughbreds] transition to these disciplines, and the expectations, regardless of where horses operate, are that their welfare is prioritised,” Dr Ramlal ended.