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Eternal Flame strikes hot Group One field
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Te Akau ready for Riccarton challenge
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Atishu to sign off with Group 1 title defence
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Pitman eyes landmark Saturday at Riccarton
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Scott eyes the future for debutants
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Te Akau Racing welcoming Riccarton challenge
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Debutants future front of mind for Scott
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Moroney receiving treatment
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Guerin’s top five for Cambridge
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Hong Kong Jockey Club lowers cost of ownership
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Patterson chasing southern honours at Riccarton
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Star sprinter Imperatriz retired
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Hayes looking on the Brightside
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Unsung hero signs off longstanding career
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By Murray Fish · Posted
Prof AI reckons " See all linksSee reasoning Images Videos Whipping in thoroughbred racing in New Zealand has been increasingly criticized for its negative impacts on horse behavior and welfare, prompting discussions about regulation changes and potential bans. Impact on Horse Behavior Research indicates that the use of whips during races often causes physical and psychological harm to horses. Whipping can lead to behavioral responses such as increased anxiety and stress, which may be visible through signs like tail swishing, pinned ears, or erratic movements. Horses that are subjected to whipping may experience desensitization, making them less responsive over time, which can lead to reduced performance in races and a diminished bond of trust between the horse and rider. Psychological Trauma: The pain from whipping can harm the horse’s mental state. As horses are prey animals, they evolve to flee from threats; thus, the fear and discomfort associated with whipping can make them anxious and prone to stress-related behaviors. Long-term exposure to such aversive stimuli can lead to learned helplessness, a state where an animal perceives its stressors as unavoidable, leading to detrimental impacts on performance and overall welfare 2 . Performance Outcomes: Studies have shown that whipping does not significantly enhance racing performance. For instance, a study conducted at the University of Sydney found no correlation between whip use and improved race times; in fact, races conducted without whip use demonstrated comparable if not better performance outcomes. This suggests that the reliance on whipping may not only be unnecessary but can also provoke fear in horses, diminishing their inherent competitive drive 2 . 2 Sources Regulation and Cultural Shift The conversation surrounding whipping has intensified, prompting changes in New Zealand's racing regulations. Recognizing the potential for animal welfare abuse, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has called for a reevaluation of whip policies, aiming to align with international best practices. Current Regulations: Existing rules allow restrict the number of strikes a jockey can make with the whip, and any excessive use leads to sanctions. Despite these rules, incidents of excessive whipping have been reported, highlighting the challenges in enforcement and the need for better oversight 1 . Industry Perspectives: Growing public and industry consensus suggests that the use of whips could be phased out entirely. The idea that whips are necessary for the safety and performance of horses is being increasingly questioned, as evidenced by a significant body of scientific research stating that proper technique in riding and training can effectively replace the need for whipping without compromising the horse's welfare 2 . 2 Sources Conclusion In summary, whipping has significant negative consequences for horse behavior in thoroughbred racing in New Zealand. The growing concern regarding harm to racehorses emphasizes the need for a cultural shift within the industry towards more humane practices. With continued advocacy for banning whipping and implementing alternative training methods, the thoroughbred racing community is poised to rethink its stance on the use of whips, ultimately prioritizing the welfare of the horses involved. -
As with most of the words in the rules I'd think noscitur a sociios would apply, wouldn't it? If you don't know yourself, any kid who has passed the C level pony club test should be able to help you. -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, one of the most prolific trainers and influences in horse racing history, has been hospitalized in Louisville, Ky. and will not return to training, according to family members.View the full article -
By Chief Stipe · Posted
Great you have something else to whine about. -
By Chief Stipe · Posted
You assume that "acclimatisimg" makes a difference. There is no definitive evidence to say it does. To quote from the report: Anecdotal data indicates that 2 -3 runs on the synthetic surface are sufficient for the horse to acclimatise (adapt their gait) to the surface. Because horses naturally run faster on the synthetic surface with longer strides (~20cm longer), This statement in the report refers to "anecdotal" information i.e. feedback from trainers presumably. Horses stride longer on a Good 3 track should we demand that they "acclimatise" to those as well? I doubt any decent trainer would race a horse on Synthetic without having galloped them on it in training. Demanding a horse trials on Synthetic BEFORE racing would be overkill and as @curious points out increased costs to owners for arguably no gain. Regardless where are you going to trial when they keep cancelling them?
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