by Wendy Ireland, executive director, MHHA

Augusta, ME — According to the Maine State Harness Racing Commission, a new whipping rule will go into effect on Sunday (August 5).

The language that was approved by the MSHRC on July 12 in Chapter 7, section 54.S reads as follows: “The driver shall hold one line in each hand by the handholds from the time the horses assemble behind the starting gate until the finish line is reached and the race is complete. Drivers must be seated in an upright position and the handholds must be positioned with the driver’s elbow in front of the chest to ensure adequate control of the horse. The placing of both lines in one hand to permit the necessary adjustment of the horse’s equipment such as ear plug removal is allowed. The driver shall not raise the elbow of the arm carrying the whip above the level of his/her shoulder. There shall not be blatant or exaggerated movements of the whipping arm.”

Penalties for violating this rule are considered a level 4 violation, with a minimum of a $50 fine and a maximum of $250 and a minimum suspension of five days and a maximum of 15 days.