Only crops which have been approved by a panel nominated by the NHRA will satisfy compliance with Rule..... . In approving any such crop, a panel will have regard to all the specifications set out below including the mandatory shock absorbing characteristics

The crops have been designed, constructed and approved for  Flat races.

(a) With regards to crops carried in Flat races, a maximum length, including flap of 70cms;
(b) Minimum diameter of 1 cm. The only additional feature which may be attached to the crop is a flap. If a flap is attached it must fall within the specifications below:-

(c) A maximum length of flap from the end of the shaft of 10 cms;
(d) A maximum width of the flap of 4 cms, with a minimum width of 2 cms;
(e) The flap from the end of the shaft must not contain any reinforcements or additions.
(f) There shall be no binding within 23 cms of the end of the flap;
(g) The contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm;
(h) The flap must have similar shock absorbing characteristics to that of the contact area;
(i) The overall weight must not exceed 160 gms.

 

SAJA represents jockeys on the Industry Liason Committee who have representation by all the role players in racing. We were successful in our negotiations and got the approval for the use of lead horses/ponies on a racedays to assist riders of difficult and unruly horses. This has proved to be a win win for all concerned in the industry.

Guidlines for lead horses/ponies on racedays in all provinces:

a)The difficult horse in question after walking once around the paradering should be mounted and immediately led onto the track, taken hold of by the lead rider and led down to the start at a walk, trot or hack canter.
b) If the horse is extremely difficult from the saddling up stall, the jockey can mount the horse at the stall and be led from that point around the parade ring or staight onto the track and down to the start.

Guidelines regarding the lead horse/pony:

1) The difficult racehorse needing  assistance must have had home trials of being led by another horse/pony prior to a raceday.
2) The lead horse/pony must be a docile type all round.
3) Must have a ID book with all the necessary vaccinations up to date as per NHA rules.
4)The trainer of the problem horse can use his own horse/pony and rider or book an approved lead rider and horse/pony.
Guidelines regarding the rider;
1) Must be an experienced rider/horseman and have done trials of leading a difficult horses before.
2) The lead rider and horse must both be well turned out.
3)The lead rider must wear a  approved riding helmet and body protector.

From the desk of the National Manager Tex Lerena

 

General Notice to all Jockeys Rule 91.4.2

The Notice to All Jockeys dated 7 August 2007 from the Chief Executive of the National Horseracing Authority refers. A copy is attached for ease of reference.

In light of the recent problems relating to jockeys' suspensions when signing an Admission Of Guilt, please note that with immediate effect the following Rule will be strictly adhered to and applied:

91.4.2

RULE 96.2 shall commence not later than the eighth day following the day on which the RIDER concerned is advised of the suspension, unless the RIDER elects to take such suspension earlier provided that if the RIDER has carded rides he shall only take the suspension from the day following the RIDER'S last engagement as published in the RACE CARD covering that engagement;

except in the case of Grade 1 RACES, where a RIDER can prove to the satisfaction of the SB that he has been engaged to RIDE a particular HORSE in a Grade 1 RACE, then the RIDER may ride in the RACE MEETING featuring that Grade 1 RACE and an additional day will be added to the RIDER'S suspension. The determination of the additional RACE day will be at the sole discretion of the SB.

V Moodley
Assistant Manager: Racing Control

 

Following a representation made by jockey Gavin Venter, the National Board has amended Rule 21.1 to allow jockeys to own horses in partnership with persons other than their spouse. This change was effective from 2 August 2007.

RD de Kock
Chief Executive

 

As a result of a study undertaken by the Irish Turf Club which revealed, inter alia, that:

• 86% of flat jockeys rode with moderate to severe dehydration as a result of "wasting";
• they further suffered iron and vitimin deficiencies, low white cell counts, impaired thyroid function and renal dysfunction, caused by "wasting";
• apart from long-term damage to healt, this also resulted in impairment of cognitive function and mental performance and enhanced the risk of accident

the National Board decided, in line with other international racing jurisdictions, to increase the minimum riding weight by 2kg during March 2007. This was done in teh interests of jockeys' welfare and safety.

The National Board decided at a recent meeting in line with international trends in jockeys' welfare and safety to implement testing for diuretics. In order to allow any jockeys who may currently be using diuretics to adjust their lifestyles the testing for diuretics will commence 1 November 2007.

RD de Kock
Chief Executive

Your attention is also drawn to new Rule 77.3 and 77.4 which read as follows:

77.3 Any rider under a course of medical treatment prescribed or administered by a medical practitioner for recognised medical purposes shall, prior to the commencement of a RACE MEETING in which he is riding, make full disclosure to the Stipendiary Stewards of such prescription or administration. The same duty of disclosure shall apply where any medication is obtained from any pharmacy and used as "self-prescribed" medication.

77.4 If a RIDER fails to make such full disclosure, the fact that any medication is prescribed or administered by a medical practitioner shall not be a defence to a charge in terms of RULE 77.1.1.

RD de Kock
Chief Executive