27 February 2019
France Galop has decided to amend the whip regulation starting March 1, 2019 by reducing the allowed number of strikes from 6 to 5.
However, up until March 14, 2019 included, the stewards will work on raising the jockeys' awareness and will only remind the new rule to the jockeys who have given 6 strikes.
They will also inform them of the penalties established in case excesive use of the whip (a 75 € fine for for the first offense, eight days suspension at the fourth offense within within two months of the first one).
In addition, France Galop has also decided to specify the appreciation of the arm raised above the shoulder. Thus, it is the elbow raised above the line of the shoulders which will have to be considered as an offense generating a sanction (warning at the first offense, a minimum of 3 days suspension at the 4th offense in the two months following the first one).