Penalty too harsh for Jeremy Rose

Rose admits that he struck the horse in the left eye while trying to keep the mount in a straight line during the third race at Delaware Park on Monday, June 23. The jockey did not hide from the situation, he immediately notified the horse's trainer Howard Wolfendale about it.

"I immediately reported what had happened to Tammy Wolfendale, the wife of the filly's trainer Howard Wolfendale, apologized to her, and called the Stewards," Rose said in a statement. "I spoke to Mr. Wolfendale early on the morning of June 24 to apologize once again and to make clear to him that I accept full responsibility for the filly's condition and all expenses related to her care."

Wolfendale understands that inadvertent mistakes occur at the racetrack and in life.

"I do not believe for a second that Jeremy acted intentionally or sought to hurt my filly,' the trainer said in a statement. "I'm sure he meant to hit her on the shoulder. It was an accident and should viewed as such."

While Rose is appealing the suspension he can continue to ride.

Six months is an extremely long suspension. Jockeys are not guaranteed anything in the 'Sport of Kings'. While Rose has achieved what few jockeys have, he still is not among the very top riders in American thoroughbred racing.

The commission has over-reacted to the situation. Along with the suspension Rose has been ordered to undergo anger management training. Why? He did not strike the filly in anger. He was just trying to keep the horse from lugging in toward the rail and avoid other runners.

A more reasonable penalty for Rose should be administered. A one-month suspension is more inline with the infraction. An even shorter period would even be appropriate.

A positive move toward more humane whips is happening at Delaware Park. Padded whips are being tested by the jockeys in two races a day.

According to DTRC Executive Director, John F. Wayne, "we asked manufacturers to go back to the drawing board and come up with a padded whip that would hold up under extended use on dirt surfaces."

"The padded whips that were used in the first experiment were used exclusively on the grass and not subject to the abrasives that are present on non-grass surfaces." Wayne continued. "Two weeks ago, we received a shipment of padded whips made with a more durable material and consistent with our DTRC rule which lists their specifications. With the help of our Stewards and cooperation of the jockey colony at Delaware Park, we began using them in two races a day. So far the results have been positive."

Even after centuries of thoroughbred racing the industry is still evolving. Common-sense should be the cornerstone when it comes to rules and regulations at the racetrack.