Jockeys at Santa Anita used a new whip with a circular-shaped end and a softer cushion for the first time on Friday. Midway through the eight-race program a few riders said they were still adjusting to the feel of the new equipment.

In the third race, veteran Aaron Gryder finished second on 5-2 Take a Leap, who was beaten by 4-5 favorite Silken Spy in the mile race for $35,000 claimers. Gryder downplayed the new stick.

"I couldn't catch the one in front," Gryder said of Silken Spy. "It didn't make any difference.

"I was on a filly that was generous and trying."

Geovanni Franco rode Silken Spy, who won by 5 1-4 lengths.

Speaking with Darrell Haire of the Jockey's Guild, Franco said there were awkward moments during a race when he tried to pull the whip out of the reins. 

"It's a matter of getting used to it," he said. "It's softer. It makes the same amount of noise. I think we need to get used to it."

Friday's trial with the new whip is a one-day event. Riders were scheduled to resume using their older whips on Saturday. With either whip, riders in California are restricted to three strikes before pausing to give their mounts a chance to respond.

Friday was supposed to be a trial day in which no whips were used or carried, a chance to put into place a rule proposed by the California Horse Racing Board that would ban the use of whips except for emergency situations. The Jockey's Guild, and the Thoroughbred Owners of California, are not in support of the whip rule, which is months from implementation, if at all.

The proposed rule must undergo a regulatory procedure which takes months and will be subject to further review and another vote by the racing board.