Officials of Barretts, Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, and the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. have agreed to institute major changes relating to the under tack shows for their sales of 2-year-olds in training.
Beginning in 2009, the use of whips by riders will be strictly regulated during a workout in an under tack show, with stiff penalties and suspensions being contemplated for riders who do not follow the sales companies’ regulations. In addition, the four auction firms will also prohibit the use of front toe grabs, a policy that is in line with recommendations from The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Safety Committee now being widely adopted by the racing industry.
The first auction to operate with the new regulations next year will be the OBS select sale of 2-year-olds in training Feb. 10. The four sales companies will implement the regulations through their entire juvenile sales programs, but details of implementation and enforcement are being studied independently.
According to Mike O’Farrell, chairman of OBS, a consensus was reached quickly during recent discussions involving the sale companies and consignors of 2-year-olds.
“The focus on safety and soundness issues within our industry brought us together, and we forged a united front to introduce important changes in the way under tack shows are conducted,” O’Farrell said. “The changes we have enacted can only enhance for buyers the reputation and image of the 2-year-olds in training sales program.”