ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockeys will not use or carry whips in races on April 12 at Santa Anita as part of a one-day experiment that foreshadows the expected implementation of a state rule later this year that largely bans the use of the whip in races. In a one-page letter sent Friday, the Jockeys’ Guild informed the California Horse Racing Board, Santa Anita management, and the leadership of the Thoroughbred Owners of California of the plan. Citing an existing CHRB rule, the letter states jockeys “are not required to carry a riding crop. Individual jockeys who regularly ride at Santa Anita have elected not to carry the cushioned riding crop during the entire race day card on Friday, April 12.” This is believed to be the first day of racing at Santa Anita in which riders will not carry whips. The letter urged track management to inform the viewing public of the situation throughout the April 12 program. “Please be assured that the jockeys will do everything within their ability and power to achieve best possible placing for their horses, with the safety for the horse and rider being paramount,” the letter stated. The letter was signed by jockeys John Velazquez and Mike Smith, who are co-chairman of the guild, and president Terry Meyocks. Smith is based at Santa Anita. Darrell Haire, the western regional manager of the Jockeys’ Guild, said “the riders are onboard” with the experiment. “Everyone will be the same,” he said. “We’ll talk to everyone when they come back from the races.” The guild plans to speak to riders throughout the day on issues such as safety, “how horses respond in passing other horses, react when going through an opening, or any other situation that may develop during the running of the race,” according to the letter. On March 28, the racing board approved a rule change that will limit riders to using whips “when necessary to control the horse for the safety of the horse or rider.” The rule change will not allow riders to use whips to coax their mounts in a centuries-old manner. The current rule that allows jockeys to use the whip three times in succession before pausing to give a horse a chance to respond will be eliminated. In the interim, that rule remains in place. The rule change approved March 28 was the first step of a multi-month process. The rule is subject to a 45-day public comment period before the board votes on the matter again. It is possible that the language of the rule could be changed, pending public comments, which could further delay implementation. In its letter Friday, guild officials said reaction from riders through Friday’s program will be submitted to the racing board in the public comment period. The rule change is part of the aftermath of 23 equine fatalities at Santa Anita since late December, which the guild addressed in Friday’s letter. “The Jockeys’ Guild and its board of directors have taken into consideration the tragic loss of horses since opening day at Santa Anita as well as the public’s perception and want to proceed in a way that is in the best interest of racing. “After considerable discussion, the guild’s board of directors and members strongly feel that more research and dialogue is necessary in order to fully evaluate the consequences of implementing the proposed rule which is an extreme change from the existing rule.”