The Jockeys' Guild

An attempt by The Jockeys' Guild to get the New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC) to hold off on implementing the most restrictive anti-whipping rules in the nation until an appeal gets decided in court failed Wednesday when the NJRC voted that the Guild couldn't show that not imposing a stay would create irreparable harm or hardship to riders, horses and the public. So when the Monmouth Park meet opens May 28, whipping a Thoroughbred will not be allowed by any New Jersey jockey or exercise rider except for the express...

1/ST has announced its continued support of the Jockeys' Guild. Under the terms of the agreement between the two organizations, each of 1/ST RACING's venue racetracks (Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, Gulfstream Park, and The Maryland Jockey Club operating Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park) will continue to make payments to the Jockeys' Guild to subsidize health, life and accident insurances, as well as short-term and long-term disability benefits for jockeys who are members of the Guild and ride at 1/ST RACING racetracks. "1/ST RACING is pleased to continue...

Hall of Famers John Velazquez and Mike Smith were reelected as co-chairmen of the Jockeys' Guild during the organization's annual meeting, held virtually Dec. 8. Sponsored by TVG/Betfair, the meeting included a riding crop discussion and an update of the various state regulations and track house rules which have been adopted this year. In addition to Velazquez and Smith, also reelected were Ricky Ramirez, Julien Leparoux, and Javier Castellano as vice-chairs; Joel Campbell as treasurer; Rodney Prescott as secretary; and Joe Bravo and Alex Birzer as directors on the board....

As New York remains well behind other racing states to pass rules on whipping reform, the Sep. 21 meeting of the New York State Gaming Commission marked the fourth consecutive session over a nine-month span that the commission again declined to take up any substantial action on the topic. The NYSGC did, however, inch forward on the matter by declaring at the end of Monday's 14-minute meeting that October would be the month in which it sought public commentary from stakeholders. "I think we all agree that this is a...