11VAC10-150-90: Excessive use of the whip

Drivers will be allowed whips not exceeding three feet, nine inches, plus a snapper not longer than six inches. The following actions shall be considered as excessive use of the whip:

1. Causing visible injury;

2. Whipping a horse after a race; and

3. Whipping under the arch or shafts of the sulky.

The use of the whip shall be confined to an area above and between the sulky shafts, to include the sulky shafts and the outside wheel discs. Drivers shall keep a line in each hand from the start of the race until the head of the stretch finishing the race.

The commission veterinarian or his designee shall make a mandatory visual inspection of each horse following each race for evidence of excessive use of the whip.