A change in rules governing the use of the whip in harness races
at the Meadowlands Racetrack will take effect this weekend.
In an effort to safeguard the welfare of horses, New Meadowlands
Racetrack LLC (NMRLLC) requested the assistance of the New Jersey Racing
Commission by implementing a new and expansive policy concerning the use of the
whip by drivers in harness races conducted at the Meadowlands. The new
policy clarifies provisions contained in the current NJRC rule which prohibits
the brutal and indiscriminate use of the whip upon any horse.
“At the Meadowlands, we recognize the importance of this issue and
are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our horses,” said NMRLLC
Chairman Jeff Gural. “Hopefully the changes being recommended will help
solve the problem. We are also looking into the possibility of developing
a different type of whip and a larger saddle pad to further address the
perception that the public has on this issue.
“We appreciate the help of our Presiding Judge, John Tomasello,
and Executive Director, Frank Zanzuccki, who helped draft these changes.
“I look forward to the cooperation of all of the drivers and
hopefully we will be able to implement similar changes at Tioga and Vernon
