9 NYCRR § 4035.9 Use of whips riding crops

(a) No whip shall weigh more than one-half (1/2) pound. No whip shall be used unless it has affixed to the end a closed "popper" made of leather or other material approved by the stewards, not less than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inches in width, and not over four (4) inches in length, and be "feathered" above the "popper" with not less than three (3) rows of "feathers" made of leather or other material approved by the stewards, each feather not less than one (1) inch in length. No whip shall exceed thirty-one (31) inches in length. All whips are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards. All riding crops are subject to inspection and approval by the stewards and the clerk of scales.

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

            (A)  Maximum weight of eight ounces;

            (B)  Maximum length including flap of 30 inches;

            (C)  Minimum diameter of the shaft of one-half inch; and

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

            (A)  Length beyond the end of the shaft a maximum of one inch;

            (B)  Width a minimum of 0.8 inch and a maximum of 1.6 inches;

            (C)  No reinforcements or additions beyond the end of the shaft;

            (D)  No binding within seven inches of the end of the shaft; and

            (E)  Shock absorbing characteristics similar to those of the contact area of the shaft.