Will they race tomoroow?

Tanlic

Tanlic

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Most likely like always they will just accept what is put on their plate.

New whip rules which are absolutely stupid come into affect tomorrow.

People like Aiden and Willie are dead against them and feel it's a bridge too far.

I personally think every jockey in the country should stand down and say an emphatic NO!!! to the bunch of pussies at the BHA.
 
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20 revised whip rules/policies and supporting guidance to be initially introduced for Jump racing from 9 January 2023, in a four-week ‘bedding in’ period
Bedding-in period for jockeys to ride under new rules without being subject to new sanctions
Full implementation of new rules and penalties in Jump racing from 6 February
Bedding-in period in Flat racing on 27 February with full implementation from 27 March
Final proposals approved by the BHA Board following extensive technical discussions with those most affected
New rules, which include restricting whip use to the backhand, are designed to foster more considered use, consistency of stewarding and stiffer penalties for misuse
British racing’s revised rules and penalties regarding the use of the padded whip will be implemented in full in Jump racing from 6 February 2023. This follows approval by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Board yesterday for the final package of rules, guidance, penalties and procedures.

The 6 February date will follow a four-week ‘bedding-in’ period, commencing from 9 January 2023, which allows jockeys time to adapt to the new rules. During this period jockeys will be asked to ride under the new rules but will not be subject to the new penalty framework.

In Flat racing the bedding-in period will begin from 27 February with full implementation from 27 March, which is the start of the week in which the Flat Turf season commences.

The different implementation date is to make allowance for the number of Flat jockeys who will be riding abroad during the winter months while the Jump bedding-in period is under way, while also allowing for the implementation process to be assessed prior to being rolled out on the Flat before the start of the turf season.

Implementation dates summarised:

Jump bedding-in: 9 January
Jump full implementation: 6 February
Flat bedding-in: 27 February
Flat full implementation: 27 March
The revised whip rules and penalties were initially proposed by a Whip Consultation Steering Group consisting of experienced individuals from jockeys, trainers, to members of the racing industry, media, government and horse welfare sectors. Their proposals, initially published in the summer, were submitted to the BHA Board – and approved – following an extensive consultation process.

The core recommendations include:

Use of the whip for encouragement to be limited to the backhand position only
Threshold for acceptable use of the whip to remain at seven in a Flat race and eight in a Jumps race
Development of a whip review committee which is responsible for evaluation of all rides and any necessary sanction or action, to increase consistency and drive ongoing improvement in riding standards
Increased penalties for offences, including doubled suspensions in major races
Disqualification introduced for offences in which the whip has been used four times or more above the permitted level in all races
These recommendations are part of a suite of 20 initiatives which cover how the whip is used, changes to regulation, enforcement and other issues such as a commitment to greater scientific and technological research and communication around the whip. They are designed to be considered as a full package of measures.

The 20 changes are designed to develop a more considered and judicious use of the whip for encouragement, improving the style and perception of whip use, with a greater focus on education and improving standards of use. They will also support more consistent stewarding, and introduce a penalty framework which acts as an effective deterrent against misuse.

Since the publication of the Steering Group’s proposals the BHA has led an extensive period of technical discussions with those most affected by the new rules, including jockeys, broadcasters and the betting industry, to discuss any logistical and technical considerations arising from the proposals.

Throughout the technical discussion phase, it was quickly established that most stakeholders were supportive of the vast majority of the 20 recommendations. However, as a result of these discussions, an adjustment has been made to one recommendation, and a clarification has been provided to one rule, to support the implementation. They include:

Flat riders permitted to use Jump version of the whip: In response to concerns raised by some jockeys regarding the use of the whip in the backhand-only and the risk of landing in the incorrect place, it has been clarified that riders in flat races will be permitted, should they wish, to use the jump version of the whip, which has a longer padded section.
Disqualification decisions: To address concerns raised by betting operators (in particular the World Pool) and some international jurisdictions regarding the impact of potential disqualification of runners on raceday for betting purposes, any potential decisions regarding disqualification of runners for an egregious offence will now be made by the whip review committee, away from the raceday, and will therefore not affect the outcome of a race for betting purposes.
It is anticipated that the review committee will meet once a week to consider sanctions from all races, most likely on a Tuesday.

This approach mirrors the policy which has been in place in the USA since 1 July 2022, whereby a disqualification provision has been introduced for serious whip offences, however in implementing this the result past the post is not affected for betting purposes.

In addition, the detailed guidance which underpins the whip rules has been developed with the feedback from the period of technical discussions in mind. This includes the definitions applied to some of the technical aspects of the rules, and the processes that will be used by the new whip review committee.

Full details of the rules, guidance, penalties and procedures can be found here:

Rules
Guidance
A period of communication and education will now take place prior to the full implementation of the new rules, which includes a mandatory online module to inform all jockeys of their obligations under the new framework. This must be completed by all riders (both domestic and international) prior to their first ride in Britain after 6 February over Jumps or 27 March on the Flat, and will be complemented by enhanced access to jockey coaches for those who need further support in adjusting to the transition.

Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the BHA, said:

“We are extremely grateful for the engagement and feedback we have received through the period of technical discussions. The discussions were full and frank, hence the time they have taken to conclude.

“The discussions quickly established that there was overall support for the vast majority of the recommendations. However, as expected there were some areas of concern raised. We have listened to the feedback we received and made adjustments to the initial proposals accordingly.

“We recognise that some of the new rules are going to take some time to get used to for some jockeys, which is why we have factored in time for communication and education as well as a bedding-in period before the rules and penalties are implemented in full.”

David Jones, BHA Board member and Chair of the Whip Consultation Steering Group, said:

“While the initial proposals were made following an extensive consultation process, it was important that further, detailed discussions take place with those most affected by the proposals.

“I am pleased, therefore, that sensible adjustments have been made where necessary, while the overall package of measures has been approved and will now go forward to implementation.

“This whole process, from start to finish, has always been about listening to the views of all our audiences and making decisions which best preserve the perception of our sport and the welfare of our horses, while also recognising the role that the padded whip plays in safe and fair race riding.”

Notes to Editors

1. The original announcement of the proposed rules and penalty framework was made on 12 July 2022 and can be found here.

2. The full set of 20 recommendations can be found here.

3. The following bodies or groups of people were spoken to during the technical discussions phase:

Professional Jockeys Association (multiple meetings)
Individual Senior Professional Jockeys
National Trainers Federation
Racehorse Owners Association
Amateur Jockeys Association
Arabian Racing Organisation
Point To Point Authority
British Racing School
Broadcasters (including reps from ITV, SKY, Racing TV)
Horserace Bettors Forum
HBLB Betting Liaison Group (including reps from William Hill, Entain, Coral, Betfred, SKY Bet)
Federation of Racecourse Bookmakers
British Racecourse Bookmakers Association
Racecourse Data Technologies
RaceTech
Tote UK
Racecourse Media Group
World Pool Racecourses (Ascot, Jockey Club, York, Goodwood)
International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA)
IFHA harmonisation of rules committee
 
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Disqualification introduced for offences in which the whip has been used four times or more above the permitted level in all races

This and the one above it is surely aimed at The festival. I for one believe even this won't stop some jockeys from hitting their mount to win a Festival race.....
 
Tanlic said:
Most likely like always they will just accept what is put on their plate.

New whip rules which are absolutely stupid come into affect tomorrow.

People like Aiden and Willie are dead against them and feel it's a bridge too far.

I personally think every jockey in the country should stand down and say an emphatic NO!!! to the bunch of pussies at the BHA.
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Willie is not dead against them, he simply has issues with the timing of them being so close to Cheltenham. He thinks that any changes should have been made in the summer, not in the lead-up to the most important week of the whole season. Backing that up with data collected by the BHA, 43 rides would have fallen foul of the revised rules during the first week of the bedding-in period for jump jockeys.

Mullins said: "Why do they always bring these things out before Cheltenham? It should be done in the off season. It's the equivalent of bringing in new rules for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the World Cup. They are highlighting the whole thing for the wrong reasons. It's a shooting yourself in the foot job."
 
Totally agree that it’s very poor timing - give the jockeys a bedding in period, starting from the Open Meeting in mid-November. But I’d like to see the whip disappear completely (except for corrective purposes), and horses disqualified not just jockeys. It’s the only way racing will survive.
 
Considering jockeys carried whips during the first Grand National which was run about 200 year ago
and that was over 70 years after the first steeplechase took place in County Cork they are taking their time banning the whip.

I think we would have to agree there's is more need for the whip over jumps than on the flat and if you ban one you should ban the other
There lies your first problem.

I may to some of you be repeating myself but if the UK ban the use of the whip but the USA, France, Germany and Australia don't
what happenes when our jockeys ride abroad and don't know one end of the whip from the other ?.

Jockeys come through the ranks learning how to use the whip with that experience gone UK and Irish horses would be at a huge disadvantage when it came to a tight finish.

For that reason alone the whip will never be banned IMO.
 
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Ban the whip here, and other countries will follow suit. Call it a “Brexit Benefit” if you want! Jockeys can still learn to use it properly, if other countries still use it. Seriously, you don’t need the skills of a surgeon to hit a horse to make him/ her go faster. It’s an image thing for the industry, and looks horrible.
 
I'm afraidLen, the Australia Racing Board would tell us "Go fook yourselves we will run our own racing thank you"

They have their rules and they are nothing like ours re the whip. They can only hit a horse 5 times during a race until the last 100 yds and then it's up to the jockey if he feels he needs 10 smacks he'll get 10 smacks.
I watch it regular and you couldn't accuse Aussie jockeys of being whip happy but they have their fair share of activists (On high salaries btw)

The USA? no chance they would follow us doing anything..Takes them all theur time to turn up to Royal Ascot and you might find that will die off now the Queen has gone.

France hares us so they would't do anything we ask and the Germans? there too busy putting towels on loungers round the pool to care
 
You obviously have never ridden a racehorse.........If they decide they aren't for moving and I mean just to walk forward you can kick and shove all day and they won't budge one inch.
 
Tanlic said:
You obviously have never ridden a racehorse.........If they decide they aren't for moving and I mean just to walk forward you can kick and shove all day and they won't budge one inch.
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So, what, the jockey thrashes the arse of the poor horse so that you, the human, get a run for your money? Do you see the image problem here?
 
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1980 Cheltenham Festival Tommy Ryan (Drumlargan 2m4f Novice Hurdle winner) and Joe Byrne (Batista head second Triumph Hurdle) were hit by 3 month bans for excessive and improper use of the whip.
Both had received a warning and fine for their previous rides in England if I recall correctly ,. ( J.Byrne on The Vintner in Greenhall Whitney Chase Haydock, and Tommy for a Tuesday Festival ride.( Mountrivers ?))
The fallout was ferocious with Irish anti British feeling and vice versa.
To make matters worse a Suspension Andy Turnell got for his ride on Hill Of Slane at Aintree was overturned.
We can do without a repeat of that.
It seems someone is out to get Nh racing with the timing both of this and the betting furore.
Only 2010 we had the spectacle of Richard Hughes handing in his licence and Christophe Soumillon ( yes, that one) getting a battering after Cirrus Des Aigles won Champion Stakes.
 
Len Madeiros said:
So, what, the jockey thrashes the arse of the poor horse so that you, the human, get a run for your money? Do you see the image problem here?
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I never said anyhing of the kind Len and no one wants to see that.

I really don't like the disqualyfing the horse and the owners and trainers and the punters losing out.

It is dangerous ground and it could bring massive law suits against the BHA and more bad publicity which racing does not need



.
 
Racing, as is always the case, is tying itself up in knots on this topic.

On the one-hand, the pro-cush has been identified as something which has no detrimental effect on a racehorse from a welfare perspective.

On the other hand, they want to limit the way in which it is being used - presumably for reasons of welfare.

The entire narrative is cross-eyed, imo.

The pro-cush either solves the welfare issue or it doesn't. If it doesn't, stop pitching that line. If it does, then what is the point of the above-the-shoulder restriction in the first place? Racing needs to decide which narrative it's going to run with, because it's utterly schizophrenic on the topic at present.

Insofar as the actual handling of the introduction of the new rules is concerned, it is a farce entirely in keeping with the clown-shoes that run racing; where something that should be relatively simple, is mangled into a public fu*ck-up. Allow five strokes inside the last 2 furlongs, suspend the jockey for two racing days for every stroke he's over the limit, and be done with it.
 
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Send the offernders to a course with Dominic Elsworth to learns when and when not to use the whip which they have to pay for over and above any fines and loss of prize money.
 
edgt said:
It seems someone is out to get Nh racing with the timing both of this and the betting furor.
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I don't think it's that cynical...I think it is aimed purely at those that are willing at any price, to get a festival winner over the line. What's more, I think only disqualification will stop them!
 
Unfortunately the uninitiated don’t appreciate the nuances of pro-cush. All they see is a poor horse being hit with a stick to force it to do something it can’t or won’t. Same as them watching horses being manhandled into stalls. It’s not a happy spectacle.

Mind you, many a time I watched Lester trying to rub out the weal marks after a race, so things are actually much better for the horses, just a shame it doesn’t look like it.
 
I actually like watching the stall handlers v horse.

I'm not going in there
Yes you are
No I'm not
Yes
No
Oh ok.ffs.
 
Maxbet said:
I don't think it's that cynical...I think it is aimed purely at those that are willing at any price, to get a festival winner over the line. What's more, I think only disqualification will stop them!
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Yes it is.

Think of the Grand National last year, it was his last ride, so any suspension is irrelevant.

Couple of disqualifications and the problem will soon go away.

A bit like introducing red cards for diving in football.
 
I totally agree that a horse should be disqualified if it wins a race because the jockey has cheated. Forget all this “sympathy for innocent connections” malarkey. The connections chose the jockey, and connections would have been happy for the jockey to cheat if he/ she had have suffered the suspension. Anyway, I would prefer that the whip be banned altogether.
 
Len Madeiros said:
I totally agree that a horse should be disqualified if it wins a race because the jockey has cheated. Forget all this “sympathy for innocent connections” malarkey. The connections chose the jockey, and connections would have been happy for the jockey to cheat if he/ she had have suffered the suspension. Anyway, I would prefer that the whip be banned altogether.
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Aye, there is no quicker way of stopping it than disqualification and few jockeys would be prepared to face the trainer and owners wrath for breaking the rules. At the moment I guess the get more stick for not breaking the rules “Why the Hell didn’t you give him another couple of cracks, he would have got there then”
 
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