(a) All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards and the clerk of scales.

1. (1) Riding crops shall have a shaft and a flap and will be allowed in flat racing including training only as follows:

   1. (i) maximum weight of eight ounces;
   2. (ii) maximum length including flap of 30 inches;
   3. (iii) minimum diameter of the shaft of three-eighths inch; and
   4. (iv) shaft contact area must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material that gives a compression factor of at least one-millimeter throughout its circumference.

2. (2) The flap is the only allowable attachment to the shaft and must meet these specifications:

   1. (i) length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of one inch;
   2. (ii) width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;
   3. (iii) no reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft;
   4. (iv) no binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and
   5. (v) shock absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of the shaft.

(c) Although the use of a whip is not required, any jockey who uses a whip during a race is prohibited from whipping a horse:

1. (1) on the head, flanks or on any other part of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters;
2. (2) during the post parade or after the race except when necessary to control the horse;
3. (3) excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin;
4. (4) when the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing; or
5. (5) persistently even though the horse is showing no response under the whip.

(d) Correct uses of the whip are:

1. (1) showing horses the whip before hitting them;
2. (2) using the whip in rhythm with the horse's stride; and
3. (3) using the whip as an aid to maintain a horse running straight.