LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 17 (UPI) -- Horse racing officials at Keeneland and Turfway Park in Kentucky have banned the use of toe garbs, a newspaper report said Thursday.
The Louisville Courier-Journal reported that after a unanimous decision by the officials, the policy is effective at both racetracks beginning Sept. 1.
The report added that the rule allows for only a thin rim, under 2 millimeters, on the shoe toe, which is known as a wear plate to keep the aluminum from wearing out when horses walk on pavement. Horses are shod about once a month.
"No toe grabs, caulks, stickers, inserts, blocks, turndowns, trailers or heel extensions will be allowed on front or hind shoes," officials said in a joint statement. "Only flat, Queen's Plate, Queen's Plate XT or equivalent may be used on the Polytrack or turf."
"We applaud the efforts of the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee, TOBA's Thoroughbred Action Committee and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to address safety in racing," said Rogers Beasley, Keeneland's director of racing.
