Before the commencement of the Fairview racemeeting on Friday, the National Horseracing Authority Racing Control Executive Arnold Hyde addressed the Riders concerning amended penalty guidelines pertaining to contraventions of Rule 58.10.2 (Guideline M).
The confusion around the crop penalty parameters has hopefully now been cleared up.
It was explained to all present at the meeting, that the permitted number of strikes with the crop would remain at twelve, however the penalties in relation to contraventions of this rule and guideline would increase on 14 April 2023, and that past contraventions from 1 September 2022, would be taken into account when considering penalties.
Contraventions of Rule 58.10.2 (Guideline M) in Listed and Graded races would carry both monetary and riding suspensions, and Riders with more than nine contraventions of this rule and guideline, since 1 September 2022, would incur a suspension from riding over and above any other penalties following a crop contravention of this nature.
Hyde said that crop use in general will continue to be carefully monitored and future amendments to the permitted number of strikes, possible disqualification of horses which are struck more than the permitted number of strikes and penalties, will continue to be assessed.
