A. Brief Description of the Issue
Quarter Horse Jockey Weights
B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
As you are aware, the physical demands on jockeys are considerable, and maintaining extremely low weights can pose health risks and limit the pool of qualified riders. Increasing the weight allowance — even modestly — could improve rider safety, expand participation, and align Alberta's standards more closely with other jurisdictions.
Who does the issue affect?
Owners, Jockeys, Trainers, Horses & Betting Public.
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
193 t Weight range in minor meetings (added 02/19)
A Quarter Horse entered in a race in Alberta may not carry less than 124 pounds or more than
130 pounds in any race, without the consent of the steward's board
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
Increase base allowance to not carry less than 126 pounds or more than 136 pounds could improve rider safety, expand participation.
How will the solution fix the problem?
* Enhances jockey health and safety.
* Broadens access to qualified riders.
*Maintains competitive integrity and horse welfare.
* Protect the betting public by having quality Quarter Horse jockeys that are physical & mentally fit to give their best effort.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
No at the paddock jockey changes or scratches. due to overweight's & betters having to reconsider their bets.
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
Increasing the weight allowance — even modestly — could improve rider safety, expand participation. Broadens access to qualified riders
Maintains competitive integrity and horse welfare.
What are the possible drawbacks of the proposed change?
NONE
D. Please identify any affected stakeholder groups that expressed support or opposition.
(These stakeholders may include the racetracks, breed registries, owners, trainers, jockeys, veterinarians, or others.)
For those stakeholder groups that have expressed an opinion, please list the points on which they agree or disagree, and the arguments they have expressed.
AQHRA
AQHA
QH Jockeys
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
No
Please attach any formal letters of support or opposition by stakeholder groups. Files must be .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .txt format and under 3072k for the system to accept the submission. You can add a maximum of 3 attachments.
690cfd69047bb-agco.pdf
E. Attach the rule language you are proposing. Please show new language in a new paragraph below the current wording. If you are proposing that current rule language be eliminated, please indicate the text to be deleted with [delete: sample deleted copy]
Current Language: A Quarter Horse entered in a race in Alberta may not carry less than 124 pounds or more than
130 pounds in any race, without the consent of the steward's board.
New Language: A Quarter Horse entered in a race in Alberta may not carry less than 126 pounds or more than 136 pounds in any race, without the consent of the stewards.
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
Attached AGCO Quarter Horse-Chapter 8: Weights
G. Review the Rules Governing Horse Racing in Alberta and identify any other Rules this change would affect and submit proposed amendments to those rules to comply with changes that would be made by this proposal.
None
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