§ 205.409. Use of whip.
(a) Drivers will be allowed whips not to exceed 4 feet, plus a snapper not longer than 6 inches. All whips are subject to inspection and measurement by the Presiding Judge or the Commission. The following actions shall be considered as excessive or indiscriminate use of the whip and a violation of the rules of racing:
(1) Causing visible injury to the horse.
(2) Whipping a horse after the finish of a race or after a horse is no longer in contention in the race.
(3) Whipping under the arch or shafts of the sulky.
(b) The use of the whip shall be confined to an area above and between the sulky shafts to include the sulky shafts and the outside wheel discs. Drivers shall keep a line in each hand from the start of the race until the finish of the race.
(c) The whip shall be used in a conventional manner and shall be held in the handle area at all times. Whipping shall be restricted to elbow and wrist action only and the whipping arm shall not be raised above shoulder height.
(d) On their own accord or if there is an allegation of excessive or brutal use of the whip, the Presiding Judge may immediately direct that the racetrack veterinarian perform a visual inspection of each horse following the specific race to determine if there is evidence of excessive or brutal use of the whip. A representative of the horsemen’s organization or other person chosen by the driver may be present.
(e) Alteration of whips in any manner shall be considered a prohibited practice and shall subject the licensee to penalty.
Cross References This section cited in 7 Pa. Code § 205.411 (relating to penalties for prohibited use of whip).
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