<div id="subtitle">Del Mar adopts softer whips that will get horses' attention with popping noise, not pain</div><div><p>Del Mar is taking the sting out of its whips.</p><p>On Wednesday, it will become the first California track to require riding crops that don't raise welts. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported the whips are made of softer leather or fabric. They're supposed to get the horse's attention with a popping noise rather than by causing pain.</p><p>The new whips cost more but the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will provide them to jockeys who can't afford them.</p><p>Actress Bo Derek is on the California Horse Racing Board and says she noticed many Del Mar jockeys already using the whips. She suggested making it a rule.</p><p>Hollywood Park will require the softer whips this fall. Tracks in Kentucky, New York and Maryland already do so.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=56537275&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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