The Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) unanimously approved recommended fines and suspensions regarding "Use of the Whip" and other rules for Standardbred (harness) Racing at its monthly meeting at 77 S. High St., Columbus, Ohio on Aug. 25.
The "Use of Whip" rule outlines specifies types of whips and the amount of force a driver can deliver when utilizing a whip in a race.
"These fines and suspensions are a guide for judges," stressed Chairman Schmitz. "Judges, ultimately, have the final call and it's up to their discretion to issue penalties in regards to the severity of infractions."
Listed below are the guidelines for fines and suspensions, reviewed & approved by the OSRC, on Aug. 25, 2015.
1) Cutting a horse with the whip or visibly injuring a horse (3768-17-17- (L))
a) $500 fine and a 3-day driving suspension for first offense in Ohio
b) $1,000 fine, a 5-day suspension, and referral to OSRC for second offense with 365 days in Ohio
2) Excessive/Indiscriminate, abusive whipping, whipping after the finish, whipping out of contention, illegal whip (3769-17-17 (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (I), (J), (K), (L))
a) $300.00 fine for first offense in Ohio
b) $300.00 fine, a 3-day driving suspension for second offense within 365 days in Ohio
c) $500.00 fine, a 5-day driving suspension & referral to OSCR for third offense within 365 days in Ohio
3) Failure to keep a line in each hand (3769-17-17 (A))
a) $300.00 fine for first offense in Ohio
b) $300.00 fine and a 3-day driving suspension for second offense within 365 days in Ohio
c) $500.00 fine, a 5-day driving suspension and referral to OSRC for third offense within 365 days in Ohio
4) Kicking (3769-17-16 (C))
a) $300.00 fine for first offense in Ohio
b) $300.00 fine & a 3-day suspension for second offense within 365 days in Ohio
c) $500.00 fine, a 5-day driving suspension & referral to OSRC for third offense within 365 days in Ohio
5) Leaning back excessively in the sulky (3769-17-16 (D))
a) $200.00 fine for first offense in Ohio
b) $300.00 fine for second offense within 365 days in Ohio
c) $500.00 fine, a 3-day driving suspension and referral to OSRC for third offense within 365 days in Ohio.
Kimberly Rinker