Changes in Horse Racing Judge Rules This Year, Fairness Expanded... Closer to International Standards

Korea Racing Authority (Chairman Jeong Ki-hwan) will partially amend the “Stewards’ Disciplinary Standards,” the rules for racing judges, starting January 1 this year to enhance the fairness of horse racing and conduct races in accordance with international standards.

The main changes applied include ▲changes to whip usage standards ▲strengthening of jockey alcohol penalty standards ▲restriction on running tests for horses with pulmonary hemorrhage ▲changes to the disposition standards for horses with poor racing ability.

The most notable issue is the ‘change in whip usage standards.’ The number of times a jockey can use the whip on a racehorse in the final straight before the finish line will be reduced from the existing 20 times to 15 times. The fine amount according to the number of violations will be increased, and depending on the grade of the race, a fine of up to 1 million KRW will be imposed if the whip is used more than 15 times. In addition, violations for strong or unnecessary whip use are specified, revising the disciplinary standards to align with international standards and taking a step forward in improving horse welfare.

The penalty standards for jockeys’ alcohol consumption will also be strengthened. If alcohol is detected through a pre-race alcohol test, a longer suspension period than before will be applied, and the case may be referred to the disciplinary committee, applying stricter standards.

Additionally, horses that experience pulmonary hemorrhage during a race or running test will be prohibited from undergoing running tests during the initial one-month suspension period, further efforts to ensure the full recovery and welfare improvement of racehorses.

A representative from the Korea Racing Authority’s Stewards Department said, “This amendment to the disciplinary standards broadly reflects decisions made after years of discussion, considering the changing horse racing environment. We will continue to revise the disciplinary standards in a direction that upholds the unchanging value of fairness and aligns more closely with international standards.”

The revised Stewards’ Disciplinary Standards can be found in the Stewards Information section on the Korea Racing Authority’s horse racing information website.

Korea Racing Authority will partially revise the "Stewards' Disciplinary Guidelines" to enhance the fairness of horse racing and conduct races in accordance with international standards. Provided by Korea Racing Authority