Q:
How much ‘training’ do the yearlings undergo (in handling, etc.) and what is the next step in their development (ie, when they are introduced to bridle/saddle, and eventually ridden, gate training). Do they ‘graduate’ to another location/farm where they are taught these things?
Sue MacPhee
Toledo, OH
A:“Training” begins at the time the horses are weaned at Lanes End and continues until they leave the farm. Horses are taught to lead, walk and stand while traveling to and from the barn as weanlings and into their yearling year. This is a very important stage in development where they build a cohesive bond with humans. In their latter weanling months/short yearling they are more formally introduced to plastic bit and grooming tools such as brushes, mane combs and hoof picks. Bits are connected to their halters while they are being groomed in their stalls for a smooth transition for when we start prep.
Usually sometime shortly after the derby, the yearlings are broke to a surcingle with side reins (tack) and prep begins. At Lane’s End we prep yearlings to be racehorses. The yearlings start staying up in the barns all day instead of going out in the afternoon to protect their coats from sunburn. We hand walk the yearlings in a 40 acre field as a training tool as well as trot them in a covered round pen for fitness. Both of these are important part of the prep process. We use the surcingle and side reins for both walking in the fields and trotting in the round pens to ensure proper movement.
More aggressive grooming methods are used during prep where they are introduced to a curry comb for shedding, rub rags to bring out the natural oils in there coats and a hose/bath. We do not ride the yearlings during this process—yearlings are broke to riders after they leave the farm in the fall. Most of the yearlings at the farm are sent to either Florida or South Carolina in September/October and the training process starts over with the next crop of weanlings.
Expert: Cooper Sawyer
Q:
Does your farm try to keep the same “social companions” throughout their years as part of the broodmare bands, or does this change often?
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Alexander, ND
A:When broodmares have become good friends we do try and keep them together as long as their status allows us to. A happy mare is typically a healthy mare. However if a mare is given a year off from foaling and her friends are in foal then she will have to join a group of non pregnant or “barren” mares for the health of the herd, as her routine and feeding will differ from that of the pregnant mares.
When mares move away from their friends they adjust quite quickly to a new group and within a day or two have usually bonded with the new group. They are a social animal and need the company of the others in the herd.
Expert: Donna Vowles
Our Experts
Assistant Broodmare Manager, Lane’s End
Originally from Birmingham, England, Donna joined the Lane’s End team in 2004. As Assistant Broodmare Manager, she devotes her time to ensuring the health and happiness of all the broodmares and their foals.
Yearling Manager, Lane’s End
Cooper was born in Lexington, KY and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agriculture. He started working with horses in 1997 in the training barn of Al Stall Jr. Before coming to Lane’s End as the Yearling Manager in 2010, I worked at Wimbledon and Mill Ridge Farm.
evy
Wonderful photo,,,and the comments were as interesting as always.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Oh, my oldest son has his birthday today. He was delighted to pick up his favorite Birthday cake from me to bring back home as he has his kiddos Weds. evening. He unfortunately is divorced, but I thought I would let him spend his time with his kids & celebrate!!
Happy Birthday to those who share his and those close by in dates! He calls himself the “good son” ( a joke) and I surely do question that at times . ha ha
I will write you about the Horse Sanctuary soon.
Thinking of you all! hugs, Sally B.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
How wonderful Sally B for you to share this information about your son, with lovely 12 Z in the above photo, Zenny’s son.
Love the analogy, thanks for sharing.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sally B.:
Happy Birthday to the “good son”! Too cute. Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Wish him a Happy Birthday from the Dumpling Gang.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Alys and Lanes End,
Thanks so much for the great photo of 12 Z and his buddies (1/2 moon guy is still
hanging out with him). They are all TOO CUTE, running the paddock like wild men
in a little herd. How much fun they are having before their work begins as TB
racehorses. It seems they are all around the same size, 12 Z is closest up so may look smaller, but those large Zenny shoulders are very evident and he is definately NOT a small colt (guy). This is soo much fun watching him grow up. Love the bit about saying inside so their coats are not bleached. The sun does a lot to horses coats.
Thanks again, sooo very much love the photos and answers.
Ann NC
Sign,
The guy on the far left,as we look at the photo. He looks like a surfer dude and the sun would really make him go even lighter. Isn’t he sweet.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Z fans,
One big thing everyone forgets about using the whip is that some horses respond well and some don’t. This is a personal equine preference not a statement for the whole Equine community.
Just like spurs, some horses respond and other do not. We need to think of what the horses each are individually tell us, not how we as humans are interpreting their
responses as if they are humans.
All aids be it seat, leg, whip, crop, spurs, different bits, reins and saddle all have their place and use in horses as long at they respond POSITIVELY, ie move forward !!!
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Also Norther Dancer’s dislike of the whip is only applicable to him and to no other equine.
Jethro said, Ho Hum, no whip, Ho Hum, no whip. Uh Oh !!! I see that whip out
of the corner of my eye and I will GO GO GO GO GO !!!
All equines like humans are different, it is good to respect equine differences !!!
Max
Some British experts think that the changes in the rules on whipping race horses in the UK may be the beginning of the end of the practice in the UK. The RSPCA is campaigning for a total ban. They may get it in time as public opinion appears to be on their side.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max and Z Fans:
That will be wonderful. Hugs, JB
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Highly doubt anything like that will happen.
Riding aids are riding aids !!!
All of them no matter what need to be used correctly.
Max
Sign. Natalma also disliked Belmont race track and she passed that on to Northern Dancer too. These babies always remember what their mommas tell them.
Max
Sign. Northern Dancer learned it from his momma. LOL!
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
That is an innate characteristic, not learned.
Max
Sign. I would never doubt the ability of a mare to teach her foal.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
The problem is Max, foals are not racing and do
Not see a whip until they are two years old, mom is
Long gone !!!!
Pam Homeier
Great pictures! Can’t wait to hear about the next chapter in his and Zenyatta,s life!
sue and tony
@Pam, We agree!
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Pam, Sue and Tony,
How about a grey filly ???
Love those baby grey’s with the grey dapples and black mane and tails.
Keta
Paynter Update Oct. 10 2012 4:00 PM Pacific A. Zayat tweets combined
Paynter Update: Today will be a full week since our warrior has had surgery
thank god it has been successful..
Today paynter is doing real well his appetite is great, very happy. Manure is great. Incisions look perfect.. stomach sounds good. lungs look healthy.. Feet are normal..
all in all we are very grateful to god for answering our prayers. very happy at our champ for showing us his class, strength and determination.
We been very blessed by a super vet team headed by Dr. Southwood caring and loving professionals like my angel Laura. Dr. Selway, Dr. Slovis.
Our families is ecstatic and thankful.
One or two more days Like that and our Champ will declare victory.. looks like this brave soul has fought laminitis, battled and conquered colitis fought a nasty abscess, gaining weight after losing 300 pounds… what can i say but Wow Wow! once of a lifetime..
tomorrow is a serious day.. where we start having conversations as what are the next steps for our champ.. what layup farm will be worthy of taking care of him and bring him back to full health to the paynter we know.. the bravest horse that I have had the pleasure setting my sight on..
Keep praying I can see the finish line #heartofgold #Steelhorse #fighter #champ #poweruppaynter
Max
Keta. This is the best news. WOW is right. I am thrilled for Paynter and all of his connections. It’s just beautiful. Keep fighting brave horse!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Thanks for this great news on Paynter. Will keep praying he continues to improve. Hugs, JB
Kathy R.
Wonderful news Keta – keep up the good work St Francis!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Keta
This is just the best news. Keep on Fighting Paynter. We gotta keep praying that everything keeps on healing and that nothing else pops up. Power Up Paynter. Keep on gaining that weight back.
Mr Zayat, How about WinStar Farm for Paynter to lounge around and continue getting well?????????????????????? I think they know a lot about the healing process. God Bless Them.
Max
Peggy. Mo rehabbed well at Winstar. It might be good for Paynter too.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Max,
Yes I was remembering Mo looked so Happy at Winstar in a video I saw.
Too, I believe one of the Winstar owners lost there daughter in some sort of bad i believe attack of some sort over seas. Oh, Gosh I hope I am remembering this right. But they lost there daughter and she had always been envolved with the horses. It was someone very close to Winstar. I believe it was one of the owners.
Max
Peggy. Those Mo videos at Winstar were so funny. Miss his website.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Peggy N,
That was Bill Casner, who is no longer and owner of Winstar.
He lives in Texas and rehabilitated Well Armed, who won the Dubai
World cup. He rehabed Well Armed in the water, just like they do
down under. The horse swam and swam and swam and swam
and not all of it was at Winstar. His daughter Carrie was killed in
a terrorist attack on a nightclub she was in in Southeast Asia.
When Well Armed won the Dubai World cup, Bill and his wife said
Carrie was with Well Armed when he crossed the finish line.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Hey, Max, Those were great weren’t they.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Sign,
Thank You that was Bill Kasner Thank You for finishing that.I just vaguely remembered it. I didn’t know he was not at Win Star anymore.
I have visited WinStar and they are great. I think it would be a great place for Paynter.
Keta
Max & Peggy
Winstar might be a good possibility.
Bodemeister is already there for stud duty
So, Zayat has had a lot of contact with them.
We will see.
Hugs, Keta
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Dear Peggy N,
Do you get HRTV? They have a wonderful
Inside Information on Well Armed. It includes the
Story of Carrie. He left Winstar a few years ago
As none of his family was interested on becoming
Involved in the business so it would not
Be able to continue on. He is a very special
Man and trainer. I think he is still training and he
Was originally from Texas. William Farris still owns
Lanes End Texas and manages the horses here.
Love the horse industry family businesses.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Hey Sign, Unfortunately i don’t get HRTV. I only get TVG. Yes, the family busineses are wonderful. Sounds like such a nice man.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Hey Keta Thank you for reminding me that Bodemiester was there. Hope whereever he goes they will keep us in touch with him.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Awesome news!
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
Hi Keta. This really is extraordinarily GREAT news. I’m just thrilled! And I know that all those candles, prayers and other ways people found of supporting Paynter had as much to do with his amazing recovery as his warrior spirit & his amazing team of vets.
Keta
Jockey World tweet
@GrahamMotion We hope Aruna has a happy retirement…She will make a great mama!
Graham Motion tweet
Ironic that Absolute Crackers would win in her US debut on the same day we retired her stablemate Aruna who also won US debut. Big shoes!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Absolute Crackers, that is so cute. We get this British old TV sitcom here in Ga on Saturday Night that I just love. It’s As Time Goes By with Judy Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. The first time I heard them call somebody Crackers I though that was just so funny. Hillarious. A customer from work just gave me a DVd with Dench in it that they said was so Good. It’s called The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I have to watch it and then pass it on to our Brit at work. I let you all know what I think of it if I ever get to watch it.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Too Cute, Peggy N
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy N.:
Love that show. Also love “Are You Being Served”. Very funny. Hugs, JB
Keta
Judy,
Another fan of both!
Still laugh during reruns.
Keta
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Judy, I like Dr. Martin too and great scenery.
Keta me too, I could watch the reruns over and over again.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Peggy! Anything like “Animal Crackers in my Soup”? which I never saw by the way, but Shirley Temple at her age was unbelievably talented. I am sure it is not all the same! ha Sally
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Sally they are great you should try to find them. We get the Britcoms on PBS.
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
Ty and Mini Haha going for a stroll, those two love birds! <3
http://t.co/4F1ax1E4
My nose is so itchy today! My nose always itches before big news! Hmm…wonder what it could be!
Max
Your tickets to the Breeders’ Cup are about to arrive?
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
Maybe that’s it! I hope! I’m nervous!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Pati:
Two Sweeties. Papa Charlie is learning to “go for a stroll” with Angela’s patient instruction. Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Judy so sweet, Keep us posted on him.
Max
JudyB. Great news. These things take time but they work out. I read that they estimate that it will take at least 6 months or more to train Rahy’s Attorney to be a pony horse like Lava Man. These guys like your PC are smart and they can learn just like those Clydesales.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Max they say that Rahy’s Attorney is just the best horse to be around. Just a gem. They said that one of the days he first came back to Woodbine that everybody just came out to see him. I saw some pictures of him. He has the most beautiful face.
He is suppose to go down to Florida over the Winter for training.
Max
Peggy. I heard the same about him. I hope that he becomes a success like Lava Man. Those Woodbine horses can be pretty feisty, especially the 2 year olds. Being a pony horse is an important job.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max, Peggy N. and Z Fans:
It’s amazing how smart horses are and how quickly they learn. PC loves Angela and trusts her already in just this short time and he tries to please. She’s the only one feeding him, grooming him and riding him, so he’s bonded with her and fallen into a routine.
She lunged him for the first time two days after he arrived and then she rode him around the training ring. She had to use a mounting block and he had to stay perfectly still. He moved a couple of times and she softly told him to stand. He stood still and soon they were going around in a walk, trot and canter. He even arched his neck like a Dressage horse at one point.
She has been riding PC a little every two or three days to get him used to the new commands. I talked with her today and she’s anxious to ride again tomorrow. It’s been raining for the last few days and she hasn’t ridden him. I’m going to visit tomorrow and will try to take a video of them. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max, Peggy N. and Z Fans:
Here’s an article on Rahy’s Attorney with photos. He has a beautiful face. Hugs, JB
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2012/09/20/ottb-spotlight-rahy-s-attorney.aspx
Max
JudyB. Wonderful news of Papa Charlie. He’s found his forever home, and you and Angela are heroes for rescuing him. He taught me that there are such things as Canadian peppermints. Never knew that. Liked the dressage comment.
Thanks too for the link to Rahy’s Attorney. He looks a bit like Uncle Mo in the photo of him in his stall. He had a great career. Wise Dan just won the Woodbine Mile. That’s a tough race to win because of the competition for big prize money. Love Wise Dan.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Wise Dan is a very talented Boy. Wins on all surfaces. Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Wise Dan is world class. The Timeform people in the UK have him top rated in all weather and dirt categories.
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
Hi Judy! I hope you are able to do a video of PC. It sounds like they are developing a very special relationship, even though it’s in its earliest stages.
When my mum was a girl, she used to ride a Percheron mare named Maude who had been in the circus. My mum was (and is) a teeny-tiny person and, as a girl, I know she weighed far less than 100 lbs. But she would put a hackamore on Maude and ride off bareback to visit her friends. She said that being astride Maude was like riding a REAL rocking horse, because she would only walk or canter.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
BRITISH RACING AUTHORITY RULES ON THE USE OF WHIPS
NO MENTION OF ANY BAN !!!
Whip Policy
The BHA recently carried out a full review of the use of the whip in British Horseracing. Read this review
Whip Use Rules
The technical rules on whip use by riders and the whips they are allowed to carry are as follows:
Schedule (B)6 – Use of Whip
The British Horseracing Authority will not tolerate abuse of the horse and consider its welfare, and the safety of the rider, to be paramount. The whip should be used for safety, correction and encouragement only and they therefore advise all riders to consider the following good ways of using the whip which are not exhaustive:
Showing the horse the whip and giving it time to respond before hitting it.
Using the whip in the backhand position for a reminder.
Having used the whip, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again.
Keeping both hands on the reins when using the whip down the shoulder in the backhand position.
Using the whip in rhythm with the horse’s stride and close to its side.
Swinging the whip to keep a horse running straight.
The British Horseracing Authority has asked Stewards of Meetings to consider holding an enquiry into any case where a rider has used his whip in such a way as to cause them concern and publish the following examples of uses of the whip which may be regarded as improper riding:
Hitting horses:
to the extent of causing injury;
with the whip arm above shoulder height;
rapidly without regard to their stride, i.e. twice or more in one stride;
with excessive force;
without giving the horse time to respond.
Hitting horses which are:
showing no response;
out of contention;
clearly winning;
past the winning post.
Hitting horses in any place except:
on the quarters with the whip in either the backhand or forehand position;
down the shoulder with the whip in the backhand position; unless very exceptional circumstances prevail.
Hitting horses:
with excessive frequency.
When examining cases of Excessive Frequency, the Stewards will consider all the relevant factors such as:
Whether the number of hits was reasonable and necessary over the distance they were given, taking into account the horse’s experience;
Whether the horse was continuing to respond and
The degree of force that was used; the more times a horse has been hit the stricter will be the view taken over the degree of force which is reasonable.
It is emphasised that the use of the whip may be judged to be proper or improper in particular circumstances which have not been included above.
Horses will be subject to an inspection by a Veterinary Officer and he will report his findings to the Stewards; therefore trainers may be required to remove or adjust rugs or sheets.
It is further emphasised that under the Rules of Racing trainers have a responsibility for giving instructions to their riders, which should include instructions on the use of the whip, especially with horses which may weal and when employing apprentice or conditional jockeys. Owners who choose to give their riding instructions must accept a similar responsibility. Failure to give adequate instructions or giving instructions which if obeyed could or would lead to a violation of this Instruction will result in disciplinary action being taken against owners and trainers.
The British Horseracing Authority warns all riders that Stewards of Meetings have been asked to exercise fully their powers under Rules (B)12 and (B)54.3 of the Rules of Racing in all cases of misuse of the whip, which the British Horseracing Authority regards as improper riding.
Further, they warn owners, trainers and riders that severe disciplinary action will be taken against any person who is found to be in breach of this Instruction resulting in serious injury to any horse.
To read our Guide to Penalties and Procedures which sets out the Racecourse Stewards’ procedures following interference, the penalties and the whip rules, please click here
Rule (D)37 and Schedule (D)2 – Whip Specifications
Only whips which have been approved by a panel nominated by the British Horseracing Authority will satisfy compliance with Rule (D)37. In approving any such whip, a panel will have regard to all the specifications set out below including the mandatory shock absorbing characteristics.
The whips have been designed, constructed and approved for either Flat or Jump races and are only to be carried in those races for which they have been approved. For Flat races, a max length of 70cms for Jump races, a max length of 68cms.
Maximum length, including flap, of 68 cms;
Minimum diameter of 1 cm.
The only additional feature which may be attached to the whip is a flap. If a flap is attached it must fall within the specifications below:
A maximum length of flap from the end of the shaft of 10 cms;
A maximum width of the flap of 4 cms, with a minimum width of 2 cms;
The flap from the end of the shaft must not contain any reinforcements or additions.
There shall be no binding within 23 cms of the end of the flap;
The contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm;
The flap must have similar shock absorbing characteristics to that of the contact area;
The weight must not exceed 160 gms.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
USE OF THE WHIP AND ARTICLE WRITTEN BY A VETERINARIAN WITH THE FACTS
NO EMOTION !!!
Whip use in Thoroughbred racing: Is it necessary?
New research into this training tool brings insight—and controversy
Jan 1, 2012
By: Ed Kane, PhD
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE
The racing public’s perception of a jockey’s use of a whip in Thoroughbred racing is a growing controversy, not only in the United States but around the world. Jockey whip use is hard to parse out in black and white. Some horses seem to respond positively to a few taps, while others may shy from the whip.
Horses may need correction running down the stretch, requiring jockeys to maneuver in and out of traffic. Some horses may need encouragement within a furlong of the finish to do their best or keep from lugging out in fatigue. A jockey might only need to show a horse the whip or only have to give the horse a slight tap of encouragement on the shoulder or hindquarters. Other horses on an uncontested lead win easily with the jockey never needing a whip.
Some people feel the whip should be banned as ineffective and a perceived detriment to the sport. Is the whip a necessary riding aid? Does it make the horse run faster? Are there concerns for abuse? Equine practitioners have a stake in voicing their feelings as to the whip’s benefit as a useful riding tool and to their concerns as to the well-being and safety of the horse and rider.
Recent changes to whip design and use
In response to public and industry sentiment as to whip use, the Jockey Club and the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) have released model rules regarding whip design, though it is up to the various U.S. racing jurisdictions to set basic whip guidelines.
The ARCI standards require whips to weigh no more than 8 oz, be less than 10 inches long and have a shaft at least 0.5 inches in diameter, with a flap or popper between 0.8 and 1.6 inches wide. New whips are made with a four- or five-foot tapered fiberglass rod, which is cut to whip length, and then wound with duct tape to achieve the desired width. The tape is covered with fabric, and a rubber handle is placed over the fabric. The popper is then added and glued in place at the end.
Various rules and regulations at racetracks within the U.S. and around the world include:
In the U.S., variable regulations exist among jurisdictions with ARCI guidelines. Whip use is monitored by various track racing stewards.
In August 2011, jockeys at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC), in conjunction with DMTC president and general manager Joe Harper, executive vice president Craig Fravel and Bo Derek, member of the California Horse Racing Board, instituted a rule deciding to use a softer equine-friendly riding crop.
In Canada, whips must conform to the ARCI model rules. Jockeys cannot whip horses more than three successive times, with a break for at least one stride—preferably two or three. When striking the horses, jockeys cannot raise their arms above the shoulder. The whip is not to be used when a horse is not responding or is not in race contention.
In England, a whip’s contact area must be covered by shock-absorbing material. Jockeys cannot whip horses by raising their arms above the shoulder or whip more than once per stride. The whip cannot be used except to strike the quarters backhanded or forehanded and the shoulder only in the backhand position.
In France, a rider may not whip the horse more than eight times within a race. If so, that rider will be suspended or fined, or both. Jockeys may be sanctioned for excessive force and are not to whip a 2-year-old.
In Australia, leather pads on the whip are not permitted. Foam in the padded segment must be at least 0.28 inches thick. Jockeys are limited to seven forehand strikes in the last 100 meters of a race. Before the 100 meter mark, a jockey cannot use the whip forehanded in consecutive strides and not more than five times.
In Hong Kong, stewards may punish a jockey if they feel the whip has been used in excess or improperly. After a race, the horses are examined for whip marks, with a possible suspension or fine, or both.
Concerns and questions
The response of horses to being whipped is not well understood. Whether frequency, intensity and location of whip strike on the shoulder or on the hindquarters are beneficial to increase acceleration and affect the race outcome is unclear.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
2012 British Horseracing Authority 2012 Whip rules – NO MENTION OF A BAN !!
British Horseracing Authority makes fundamental changes to whip rules
• Paul Bittar calls current guidelines fundamentally flawed
• New chief executive orders changes ahead of Cheltenham
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Greg Wood
The Guardian, Tuesday 21 February 2012 14.55 EST
The British Horseracing Authority ordered fundamental changes to the controversial new whip rules on Tuesday. Photograph: Julian Herbert/Getty Images
Paul Bittar, the new chief exective at the British Horseracing Authority, ordered changes to the controversial new whip rules on Tuesday, describing the current guidelines as “fundamentally flawed”.
The BHA’s tough stance on the use of the whip was founded on a strict, inflexible new definition of abuse, and harsh, escalating penalties for jockeys who breached it. Neither has survived Bittar’s overhaul. The stroke-count of eight on the Flat and nine over jumps which since October triggered an automatic suspension will now lead only to a review of a jockey’s use of the whip in a race.
The penalty structure will also change, with one or two strokes over the limit now both classified as “lower level” breaches, with penalties of a two-day and four-day (reduced from five-day) suspension respectively. Significantly, there will also be no multiplication of penalties for repeat offences, with each breach being treated “on its merits”, although a fifth “lower-level” or fourth “upper-level” offence within a six-month period will result in referral to the BHA’s disciplinary panel for punishment.
The latest amendments to the BHA’s whip rules will take effect tomorrow, less than three weeks before the first day of the Cheltenham Festival on 13 March. The BHA will now hope – with good reason – that whip bans will not be a frequent postscript to the sport’s major races next month, as had seemed almost inevitable under its previous, rigid regime.
In a statement which accompanied the news of the changes on Tuesday night Bittar acknowledged that, “while well intentioned, and in accordance with initial requests from jockeys for clarity and consistency via a fixed number, in practice the new rules have repeatedly thrown up examples of no consideration being given to the manner in which the whip is used, as well as riders being awarded disproportionate penalties for the offence committed”.
Bittar added: “The objective of this proposal is to keep jockeys riding to a similar standard as they are now with regard to their significantly reduced use of the whip but with added discretion and common sense applied by stewards when considering whether a rider is in breach of the rules.”
The Professional Jockeys Association welcomed the BHA’s latest amendments to the rules, and in particular the decision to no longer find riders automatically in breach for exceeding the stroke-count.
“This change recognises that a ‘grey’ issue cannot be proportionately and fairly regulated by a ‘black and white’ rule,” Paul Struthers, the chief executive of the PJA, said, “and that jockeys are skilled horsemen who care passionately about horses and are being denied the ability to use their full skill and judgment throughout the course of the race.
“If this is implemented as the PJA believes is the intention, jockeys will no longer be punished for genuine, wholly unintended mistakes nor for otherwise perfectly acceptable rides.”
However, David Muir, an equine consultant to the RSPCA, said on Tuesday night that the BHA’s about-turn on the whip rules was “a black day for the racing industry”.
“It’s absolutely staggering that the BHA has taken such a clear backward step,” Muir said. “Not only has the BHA failed to consult the RSPCA or other welfare groups but the decision flies in the face of scientific research which shows that excessive use of the whip increases the likelihood of falls.
“This is a black day for the racing industry but the real losers today are horses. Jockeys have effectively been given a licence to beat them with impunity. This latest move sees the preventative, punitive element of the new whip rules reduced even further, which gives us real cause for concern.”
Max
Sign. Here’s the link to the 2012 campaign to ban the whip. Looks like there are people who do not agree that its use is warranted. Time will tell how it plays out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_DCOcHwScA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Thanks for his link on the banning of whips. Please let us know when you find more info on this. Hugs, JB
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
There may be a petition, but not recognized
By the association. So nothing in the policy
Making or legislative phases. People petition
Issues all the time !! N
Max
Sign. If the association does not ban the practice itself, these people will probably try to get the government to legislate a ban. Policies of associations cannot trump an act of Parliament. That is how the animal rights people succeeded in ending hunting foxes with hounds in England, Wales and Scotland. The RSPCA is well respected in the UK and has a great deal of influence. Last I read there were polls saying that at least 57% of the public were against using whips on race horses. Only time will tell if this campaign succeeds.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Galileo Yearling Fillies Tops at Tattersalls
By Blood-Horse Staff
Updated: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 6:05 PM
Posted: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 5:48 PM
Email
Photo: http://www.tattersalls.com
Lot 383, a Galileo filly, which is a full sister to this year’s Epsom Oaks winner Was, topped the 2nd session of Book 1 of the Tattersalls Oct yearling sale.
A Galileo filly, which is a full sister to this year’s Investec Epsom Oaks (Eng-I) winner Was, topped the second session of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October yearling sale. She commanded 1.5 million guineas ($2,522,940 in U.S. funds) Oct. 10 in England, becoming the highest-priced yearling sold in the world this year.
The second-most-expensive yearling of 2012 is another Galileo filly that brought 1.3 million guineas ($2,186,552) in the same Book 1 session. She is a full sister to 2011 Irish champion Together, who won the 2011 Queen Elizabeth Challenge Cup Stakes (gr. IT) at Keeneland. The yearling also is a half sister 2009 Criterium International (Fr-I) winner Jan Vermeer (by Montjeu).
Book 1 second-day results included a gross of 25,022,000 guineas ($42,086,100) for the 140 yearlings that were sold. The average price was 178,729 guineas ($300,616) and the median price was 112,500 guineas ($189,221).
Compared to the same session last year when 148 horses were sold, the gross rose 58.4%. The average increased 39.2% while the median grew 12.5%. The gross was the highest single-day total ever for Book 1 of the October sale, surpassing the previous mark established during this year’s Oct. 9 opening session of 23,016,000 guineas ($38,843,490) .
The second session’s clearance rate was 82.8%, down from 83.1% in 2011.
Nicholas de Watrigant of the Mandore International Agency fought off John Magnier of Coolmore Stud to acquire the 1.5 million guinea Galileo filly. Bloodstock agent James Delahooke also tried to buy the yearling, which was bred in Ireland.
“She’s the one that you would like on your farm,” said de Watrigant. “She is a lovely filly with a classic pedigree, and she moves very well. She will be trained in France.”
Bred and consigned by Seamus Burns’ Lodge Park Stud, the yearling is out of the winner Alluring Park (by Green Desert). The mare finished second in the Aga Khan Studs Blenheim Stakes and third in the Rochestown Stakes in 2001 in Ireland. Alluring Park’s other offspring include Janood (by Medicean), who captured the 2010 Matalan Washington Singer Stakes in England.
Magnier won a bidding battle against Grant Pritchard-Gordon of Badgers Bloodstock and David Ingordo of Kentucky-based Lane’s End Bloodstock to buy the 1.3 million guinea Galileo filly. Timmy Hyde’s Camas Park Stud consigned the bay yearling bred in Ireland by Camas Park and Lynch Bages Ltd.
“She is a lovely filly,” said Coolmore associate Demi O’Byrne. “She is from a family that we know well and is quite a similar sort to Together. I had seen her at Camas Park ahead of the sale. I thought she was the best filly here.”
The yearling is out of the winning Pennekamp mare Shadow Song.
The top five most expensive horses in Book 1’s second session all were by Galileo. In addition to the top two fillies, they included a colt out of Alexander Goldrun that bought 950,000 guineas ($1,597,869) from O’Byrne. The others were a filly out of Secret Garden that brought 925,000 guineas ($1,558,165) from Blandford Bloodstock and a filly out of Witch of Fife that brought 900,000 guineas ($1,513,764) from Waratah Thoroughbreds.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sign and Z Fans:
Wow, Galileo babies are commanding very high purchase prices. Can you imagine Frankel’s first crop. Hugs, JB
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Oh yes Judy,
I guess we should all sign a PETITION to keep Frankel
In flat racing for another year.
Petitions really make things happen or better yet
Have his Dam “talk” to Sir Henry and his owner and
Demand her son stay on the track as she taught
Him to love to run !!!!!
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
Sign: I read about the Galileo that Magnier won but didn’t realize that David Ingordo was bidding on her too. Wouldn’t you love to know who he was bidding for???? I actually saw a photo of this filly — she looked a lot like Zenyatta!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Wow Abigail,
I have been hoping Galileo’s progeny would
Get popular here. Yes, wonder who David is purchasing
Her for ??? The fillies should be very valuable bringing
A whole new line to the US.
sheena.davies(wales)
dear judy enjoy your visit to papa charlie today please give him a hug from me he’s getting on really well !!hugs sheena
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Thank you. I will give him a hug from you. Hugs, JB
Kathy R.
Sign: regarding your question on the other blog (stallion parades). All the big studs over here have a stallion parade at the beginning of each breeding season – gives them a chance to introduce the new boys, and also show how well the “experienced” hands are doing. It’s covered by various news outlets, and is great to see.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Dear Kathy R,
How wondeful to have stallion parades and publicized.
I am sure the new hands have some learning
Or relearning how to Handel these boys. They
Really must be a handful in the breeding shed.
Waiting to see So You Thinks first foals to see
If they have his forlock, that has to be genetic like
12 Z’s ears.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Dear Sheena,
Love love love the Wikipedia on Kauto Star.
He is truely a wondeful talented champion steeple
Chase horse and gorgeous.
Please keep us up to date on whether he runs again.
Do you have any links to his fall? One thing about
Riding is it is terrible when the human falls but
The horse, too.
I almost had a bad accident, Jethro was very long
Want not very flexible, we rounded a turn in a small
Ring, he is 17 hands. He was heading right for
The large wooden jump standard. I could not maneuver
Him out so threw up my reins bent formats grabbed
His neck and he glide by the standard and kep cantering
Around the ring. I think he wondered what is this
Crazy woman doing hanging to my neck. It was a
Great save as my trainer said.
Galloping full speed an jumping does have its risks
But love to watch the chase !!!!!
Max
Kauto fell hard during a routine practice session at Paul Nicholls’ training center. As far as I know, it was not filmed.
Celeste in TX
Thanks so much for the wonderful photo and informative answers to very good questions that were submitted. I appreciate the learning opportunities provided here – plus it is just so great to be kept in the loop of our beautiful young prince. Thank you!!
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Peggy N,
Her is an article on Bill Casner as he discussed Well Armed and Carrie, his daughters death. Well Armed was foaled on the day of her death and he has very special things to day about her spirit and Well Armed.
http://rtcanational.org/tag/bill-casner/
Janet Newman
Dear Sign
I love watching that story on the Casner family and Well Armed.
I believe Well Armed had a full sister born this year at Winstar.
Of another interest I was googling on Kauto Star and found a
simply beautiful photo done of him by Whistle Jacket Equine Photography.
I could not copy and paste the sight, but if you google the images you won’t miss this pic .
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Dear Janet,
Yes, I remember hearing about Well Armed’s full
Sister. We will have to keep our eyes out for her.
Thanks will look up the photo of Kauto you mentioned.
He is sooo gorgeous and talented. Thanks to
Sheena for getting us hooked on him.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Peggy N,
Here is information on Bill Casner racing as his business is know now. He resides in Texas, but still has a home on the Winstar property. Great information from the Breeders Cup website and about his racing career. He is a very special man and a trainer with some very creative and innovative strategies. Well Armed fractured his pelvis after having his leg repaired and Bill brought him back to run under Eoin Harty as his trainer.
http://archive.breederscup.com/bio.aspx?id=46797
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Peggy N,
Here is the bloodhorse article on Bill Casner, Carrie and Well Armed a very touching story.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/11/15/well-armed-a-horse-with-gumption.aspx
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Sign Thank you so very much for those articles.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Sheena,
Hope you are able to watch the Breeders Cup Turf Mile. Our Wise Dan, a very talented
versatile horse who can win on dirt, poly and turf is going to run and probably be the favorite. He has a great turn of foot on the turf and would be a good competitor for Frankel, although no equine seems to have the acceleration that Frankel has. However,
Wise Dan would definately give it a good try. Too bad they will not meet.
Have a great day.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Kathy R,
Wondered if you have seen this video of Bernardini that was made by Darley after
The Mosses selected him as Zenny’s first mate. Looks like he is parading on his toes
to the shed in the whole video. He is sooo very gorgeous.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rxYNYdkhD0
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sign:
Love this video. My favorite of Bernie. He’s so magnificent looking. Hugs, JB
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Love this one too, Judy B.
sheena.davies(wales)
dear sign so glad you found out more about kauto as max said his fall happened when ruby(his jockey) was schooling him it was a heavy fall and he never had the time to recover for the gold cup you remind me of the jump jockeys over here when they clinging on to their horses for dear life!! frankel enjoyed his workout yesterday sir henry let him walk back through the town so he could look at the shops and the market !!! there is a beautiful poster of him in the H and H magazine this week so had to get it !I was reading in the racing post that 4 jockeys got suspensions in the arc last sunday the winner was hit 14 times and orfevre 13 times poor horses the french administrator said it was a bad image for the sport I could never imagine the whip ever being banned but to hit a horse that number of times well you can imagine what I think love and hugs sheena will look out for wise dan !
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
That is excessive. I’m glad they suspended the jockeys. Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
dear peggy was interested to see you enjoy watching “as time goes by” it finished over here years ago I used to love it the comedy on tv is’nt as good these days I miss all the old sitcoms we used to have but they considered “too old fashioned now hope you get to see the judi dench film as well hugs sheena
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Yes, Sheena I just love them. Could watch them over and over again.. They are so funny still even after all this time.
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
Hi there everyone.
Still fighting a nasty virus that has now lodged in my sinus — thank goodness for heat pads & sinus rinses! Never had these problems before, but I can well understand how people who suffer from different sinus conditions are in a state of misery. All this from glands that have no known use other than to make our heads seem less heavy!!!!
Anyway, I found these videos of DAY 1 & Day 2 of Tattersalls October session, that was being discussed a little earlier. Here are the links — enjoy! Other than the great-looking Galileos, the sale also featured a baby by Ouija Board and Alexander Goldrun’s first born. ENJOY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6N1RAmwLy4&list=FLPaA4xk4d-APfLYsAmkwxgA&index=2&feature=plpp_video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV7DGUqle6I&list=FLPaA4xk4d-APfLYsAmkwxgA&index=1&feature=plpp_video
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Abigai,
Sooo hope you start to feel better soon. These weather changes make out sinuses go crazy.
Love the videos of this sale, some very very very beautiful animals.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail:
So good to see a post from you. Thanks for the great links. Hugs, JB
carol in utah/soon Arkansas
Good morning……
Off to another day of packing ….ugh
But am going to update my “stable” first….
Take out Lentenor and Jackson Bend….both retired…will miss them both
Kisses for all soft noses….peppermints for all
Barbara Wood (Texas)
I will miss them too. Horses are retiring way too early.
Max
Sheena recently mentioned Dawn Approach as the horse and the Dewhurst as a race to watch.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73471/unbeaten-dawn-approach-faces-five-in-dewhurst
Keta
David Grening DRF tweet
Nick Zito confirms Jackson Bend has been retired.
“You can’t put a price on what that horse has given us.
I thought he’d be around forever.”
Keta
Multiple Grade I Winner Jackson Bend Retired
By Claire Novak, The Blood-Horse
Updated: Thursday, October 11, 2012 1:09 PM
Multiple grade I winner Jackson Bend has been retired, Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito confirmed Oct. 11.
The 5-year-old son of Hear No Evil , bred in Florida by Fred Brei of Jacks or Better Farm, campaigned to a 9-6-4 record from 28 starts, with earnings of $1,613,450. He won eight stakes including the 2012 Carter Handicap (gr. I) over top contenders Caleb’s Posse and Shackleford, and this year’s edition of the Hal’s Hope (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park. In 2011 he took the Forego Stakes (gr. I) and James Marvin at Saratoga Race Course, and in 2009 he won four Florida Stallion Series stakes as a juvenile at Calder Race Course.
Last time out, Jackson Bend finished seventh in the Sept. 1 Forego Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga Race Course after surviving an Aug. 18 training accident when a bolting horse ran into him on the Oklahoma training track at the upstate New York oval
“Racing has so many ups and downs, it’s just the business we’re in,” Zito said. “For him to be run into that morning, it’s really sad. There’s no way he wouldn’t have been 1,2,3 in the Forego. I know how well those other horses ran, but he was training like he would have been right there.”
After the Forego, Jackson Bend was sent to Jacks or Better Farm.
“Fred knows the horse; he was putting him back (into training), jogging, whatever, and whatever he saw wasn’t up to Jackson Bend standards. What are you going to do?” Zito said.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73470/multiple-grade-i-winner-jackson-bend-retired#ixzz290r9lhli
Max
Keta. Very sorry to hear this. No choice in this case, but sad to see him retire. As Barbara said, just too many early retirements.
Keta
Max,
Jackson Bend is reportedly going to stand stud at Journeyman
I’m sure we will get more news on this.
Keta
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta, Max and Z Fans:
I wouldn’t be surprised if being run into like he was left Jackson Bend traumatized to some extent psychologically. May have played a part in his interest, or lack of interest, in racing. What do you think? Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. You could well be right. He took a big blow. My recollection is that he was down on the track for about five minutes. Sad to see him go, but he deserves a good retirement.
Keta
Arc winners Danedream, Solemia top early noms to Japan Cup
Paulick Report Oct. 11, 2012
The early nominations for the 2012 Japan Cup (Jpn-IT) and Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-I) were released Thursday, and many of the top horses from around the globe are on the list.
Heading the list of 26 nominees to the Japan Cup are the two most recent winners of the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I), Danedream and Solemia. Both fillies may make the Japan Cup their swan song, since it is unlikely either one will remain in training next year.
There are four North American-based runners nominated to the Cup-Little Mike, Dullahan, Slim Shadey, and Prince Will I Am.
A complete list of Japan Cup nominees can be found here.
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/thoroughbred-racing/arc-winners-danedream-solemia-top-early-noms-to-japan-cup/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Keta
Deirdre B. Biles The Blood-Horse tweet
13 KY farms have pledged to the TAA an mount of 25% of each of their stallions’ advertised stud fee, effective 2013 breeding season
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Funding Support From Industry Participants
TAA press release October 11, 2012
New York, N.Y. – October 11, 2012 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that several industry groups, including 13 prominent breeding farms in Kentucky, The Jockey Club, two racetracks of the Stronach Group, the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), Keeneland Association, Fasig-Tipton, Barretts Equine Limited and Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS), have developed plans to provide funds beginning in 2013 to support the TAA’s mission to accredit and raise funds for Thoroughbred aftercare facilities.
“This is an important first step, and we are grateful to these organizations for their commitments,” said Jack Wolf, President of the TAA. “We are hopeful other industry stakeholders will follow their lead in this important endeavor.”
The TAA received seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club and Keeneland Association and some of those funds will be used for initial site inspections and accreditations planned for the last few months of 2012.
http://www.brooklynbackstretch.com/2012/10/11/thoroughbred-aftercare-alliance-announces-funding-support-from-industry-participants/
Marshall (NC broad)
Great news! Glad to hear that this funding support is being initiated for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Hope more farms and organizations will participate so that there will be a safety net for our wonderful equines.
Cheers!