Three of the revolutionary crops for each jockey, apprentice and work rider in Phumelela regions have been ordered and the cost will be borne by Phumelela, the Horseracing Trust and the RA.
The Trust is buying the new crops for apprentices and work riders, while Phumelela and the RA will fund the cost of the jockeys’ whips.
Phumelela operates horseracing and/or tote betting in all provinces except KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, in which Gold Circle is the racing and betting operator. The RA represents racehorse owners in Phumelela provinces.
The ProCush whip is manufactured in the UK and has a unique shock-absorbing feature that protects horses from injury or discomfort. It’s virtually harmless, even if wielded hard, and has been described as the most horse friendly crop ever developed.
"The ProCush crop is already compulsory in flat and jump racing in the UK and it’s a hugely positive innovation for horseracing globally. The crops are expensive because of the exchange rate, but the comfort, safety and well being of horses are absolutely paramount to Phumelela, the RA and the Trust. Consequently, none of us had the slightest hesitation when we were approached to finance, and thus expedite, the introduction of the crops in Phumelela racing regions," said Robert Garner, Phumelela’s General Manager Marketing and Communications.
"In fact, we want them introduced soonest. The only condition is that all riders based in Phumelela regions voluntarily commit to use only the ProCush crops going forward and the South African Jockeys Association (SAJA) has given us that assurance. In the interests of the horse, Phumelela and the National Horseracing Authority, which controls racing, have held talks with a view to making the Pro-Cush crop compulsory nationally. The NHRA will make a decision once it has had a chance to evaluate the crop," added Garner.
Larry Wainstein, chairman of the RA, said: "The happiness of horses is of paramount importance to owners and the ProCush crops protects horses, so the RA was delighted to sponsor the crops in order to expedite their introduction across the board."
Tex Lerena of SAJA said: "SAJA extends a big thank you to the Horseracing Trust, Phumelela and the RA. Our members were so overwhelmed when they heard that the crops would be sponsored that all the winning riders at the Gommagomma Challenge meeting donated their gross riding fee from each winner to the Highveld Horse Care Unit. This totalled more than R5 000.
"The ProCush crops are guaranteed to enable horses to race happily and hopefully all riders will have the crops by the beginning of the new season on 1 August, so they can become mandatory in the NHRA rules. SAJA is looking for a sponsor for its Western Cape and Natal members, as well as apprentices and work riders in those regions," said Lerena.
Potential sponsors can call Lerena on 0828095635.