It has come to the attention of the Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) Regulatory Division Management that an Administrative Error has occurred with respect to the interpretation of Rule 210 t Use of Riding Crops.

On May 12, 2023 a Notice was issued to the Attention of All Jockeys respecting the Riding Crop Policy for 2023. The intent of the Notice was to inform all Jockeys of the correct use of the riding crop. The Notice introduced a change to Subsection (3)(d) of the rule as follows:

Rule 210 t Use of Riding Crops currently states:

(3)(d) Jockey may not apply the riding crop more than three (3) times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond.

Rule 210 t Use of Riding Crops was amended to read:

(3)(d) Giving a horse a chance to respond is a minimum of three (3) strides with both hands of the jockey on the reins.

The Notice was issued without the proper approval of the HRA Regulatory Division Management, the Regulatory & Licensing Committee and the Board of Directors. In addition, the rule change was not done in accordance with HRA Regulatory and Licensing Policy No. RLP007 - Rule Change Procedure Policy.

As a result, the Order issued by the Board of Stewards is invalid and therefore rescinded. All rulings issued to Jockeys under the Riding Crop Policy will be repealed by the Supervisor of Racing and any fines paid by Jockeys will be refunded.

HRA will review Rule 210 t in accordance with the Rule Change Procedure Policy in November 2023 for potential implementation for the 2024 Thoroughbred Race meets at all “A” and “B” Flat Racing Tracks in Alberta.

Dated at the City of Edmonton
In the Province of Alberta
this 2nd day of June 2023.

Kent Verlik, Chief Executive Officer