Jockeys’ Guild Denied Stay of NJ Riding Crop Regulation
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
Riders carrying their riding crops
Jockeys' Guild announced April 20 that the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, denied its motion to stay a New Jersey Racing Commission regulation pertaining to riding crop restrictions. They sought the stay of enforcement pending a decision on its appeal in the court system, which has not yet been decided, the organization said.
The regulation, passed in September, prohibits jockeys and exercise riders in the state from using the riding crop "except when necessary to control the horse for the safety of the horse or rider." It is scheduled to take effect in New Jersey Thoroughbred racing when Monmouth Park opens May 28.
"We are extremely disappointed in this decision on our motion for a stay of enforcement. This regulation prohibits jockeys from using the riding crop as they have been trained, increasing the risk of injury to both the horse and rider," Terry Meyocks, president and CEO of Jockeys' Guild, said in a release. "We hoped the Court would stay the regulation while our appeal is being considered, particularly because a stay would have maintained the status quo. After all, the commission enacted the regulation this past fall but had not yet enforced it."
The guild filed an appeal of the regulation in November. When the commission declined to stay enforcement, the guild sought a stay from the court.