A. Brief Description of the Issue
The HBPA believes the current rule in place does not work for our jurisdiction. The penalty matrix and interpretation of the current rule has placed undue hardship on the riding colony at Century racetracks. Concerns in regards to the wagering publics perception of a rider that cannot get the best finish out of their mount due to limits on strikes and how they are being interpreted.
B. Discussion of the Issue and Problem
What specific problems or concerns are involved in this issue?
-Excessive fining of riders in an already depleted riding colony will affect the amount of returning riders to our
racetracks
-concerns from the betting public in relation to getting the best possible finish out of a horse while still
acknowledging the public's perceptive of the riding crop use.
-The Penalty Matrix in relation to the fines is too much of a burden to the riders and is not proportionate to the
STB penalty Matrix for the same offenses.
Who does the issue affect?
The Horse Racing industry
What existing HRA rules relate to this issue?
210 t (3) (d)
C. Possible Solutions and Impact
What solution does this proposal provide?
Implement a blend of the current rule set being observed at Woodbine racetrack as well as Assiniboia Downs
How will the solution fix the problem?
It will give a better perception to the public and provide the jockeys with more options to preserve with mounts in a safe and ethical manner.
How will the change affect any entities or stakeholders?
It will improve the product and promote Horse Racing in Alberta by showing efforts in getting up to speed with current standards while also observing and taking into account the feedback of the Jockeys Guild, Racetrack operators and the HBPA in regards to what works in our jurisdiction
-Excessive fining of riders in an already depleted riding colony will affect the amount of returning riders to our
racetracks
-concerns from the betting public in relation to getting the best possible finish out of a horse while still
acknowledging the public's perceptive of the riding crop use.
-The Penalty Matrix in relation to the fines is too much of a burden to the riders and is not proportionate to the
STB penalty Matrix for the same offenses.
The HBPA believes the current rule in place does not work for our jurisdiction. The penalty matrix and
interpretation of the current rule has placed undue hardship on the riding colony at Century racetracks.
Concerns in regards to the wagering publics perception of a rider that cannot get the best finish out of their
mount due to limits on strikes and how they are being interpreted
How will you or your organization be affected by the proposed change?
What are the benefits of the proposed change?
It will improve the safety and welfare of the horses and jockeys and provide riders with the more options to safely perservere with their mounts in an ethical manner.
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.
Century Racetracks (Neutral)
HBPA: In support
Jockey's Guild: In Support
AQHRA: in support
Are there any affected stakeholder groups that have not been consulted on this proposal?
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.
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]
Jockeys may use the crop on the hindquarters to activate and focus the Horse a maximum of 10 times
overhanded during a race. The 10 permitted uses shall be in increments of two or fewer strikes. The rider must
allow at least two strides for the Horse to respond before using the crop again. No underhand strikes applied
to the shoulder or hind quarters shall be counted against this total during the race.
F. Do any racing jurisdictions currently have a version of this rule in effect? If yes, please attach copies of those rules.
combination of Woodbine and Assiniboia Downs
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.
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