Section 1318.90  Use of the Whip

a)         Drivers will be allowed whips not to exceed 4 feet in total length plus a snapper not longer than 6 inches.  All whips are subject to inspection and measurement by the Board.  Whips shall not be modified and snappers shall not be knotted.

b)         Whipping below the shafts, including but not limited to the stifle area, is prohibited. 

c)           The following actions shall be considered as excessive and/or abusive:

1)         Whipping a horse during a post parade, scoring down, or after the finish of a race, except when necessary to control the horse;

2)         Use of the whip as a poking or goading device;

3)         Striking any part of the horse under the tail or between the legs;

4)         Whipping a horse that is not advancing or is out of contention;

5)         Causing visible injury; or

6)         Use of any object or stimulating device.

d)         Whipping a horse during the race, when it is necessary to control the horse, shall not be considered excessive and/or abusive.

e)         Drivers shall keep a line in each hand from the start of the race until the beginning of the open stretch or the ⅞ mile pole, as applicable.  One handed whipping from the beginning of the open stretch or the ⅞ mile pole to the finish of the race is restricted to elbow and wrist action only.  The whipping arm shall not be raised above shoulder height or behind the driver.  One-handed whipping shall be prohibited entering the stretch the first time on a ½ mile racetrack.

f)         Penalties

Penalties for violation of any of the provisions of this Section are as follows:

1)         1^st offense − minimum fine of $200 to a maximum fine of $500;

2)         2^nd offense within a 365 day period after the 1^st offense − minimum fine of $400 to a maximum fine of $1,000;

3)         3^rd offense within a 365 day period after the 1^st offense − minimum fine of $1,000 and a 7 day suspension;

4)         For a 4^th or subsequent offense within a 365 day period after the 1^st offense − minimum fine of $2,000 and a 10 day suspension.

(Source:  Amended at 40 Ill. Reg. 3757, effective March 1, 2016)