The new whip rules of British racing will be introduced on 6 February, just over a month before the Cheltenham Festival. Britain’s Equestrian Authority revealed the timetable on the morning of November 22 for the introduction of new rules it announced in mid-July, restricting the use of whips in the backhand position and allowing disqualification. the right to play for the most serious offences.
Racing’s governing body has now clarified that such disqualifications will not apply on race day, meaning they will have no effect for betting purposes. Instead, such decisions will be made in the days following the race by the newly created whip review committee.
The BHA has also decided to allow racers in the flat race to use the longer whip version currently used by diving athletes. This is intended to address the concerns of some flat jockeys that restricting their backhand use will increase the risk of the whip landing in the wrong place on the horse, causing the horse to lose its footing.
There will be a staggered rollout of the two rules of the race, with a four-week break commencing in the jump race from January 9, during which jockeys will be required to drive according to the rules. new but will not be subject to a new penalty frame.
The warm-up phase of flat racing will begin on February 27, in recognition that many British flat-car drivers have traveled abroad during the first two months of the year. Full rollout will then come on March 27, five days before Doncaster’s Lincoln Handicap, the first major race of the grass-court season.
Full rollout on apartments will take place on March 27
Brant Dunshea, chief executive officer of the BHA, said: “We are extremely grateful for the engagement and feedback we have received during the technical discussion period. The discussions have been in full swing. enough and frankly, so it’s time to finish.
“Discussions quickly determined that there was overall support for the vast majority of the recommendations. As expected, however, there were several areas of concern raised. We listened. feedback we receive and adjust the initial suggestions accordingly.
“We realize that some new rules will take some time to get used to for some jockeys, that’s why we’ve factored in time for communication and education as well as bedtime when the rules and punishments are fully implemented.”
David Jones, BHA board member and chair of the spanking advisory group, said: “While the initial proposals were made after an extensive consultation process, it is important that Further detailed discussions will take place with those most affected by the proposals.
“I am therefore pleased that reasonable adjustments have been made where necessary, while the overall package of measures has been approved and will now be moved to implementation.
“This whole process, from start to finish, has always been listening to the views of all our spectators and making decisions that best protect the perception of our sport and the welfare of our spectators. Our horses also recognize the role of the whip in safe and fair racing.”
The Rule of Whipping: Five Core Recommendations
- The use of the whip for encouragement is limited to the backhand position.
- The acceptable whip usage threshold is maintained at seven in the flat race and eight in the jump race.
- Develop a whip review committee responsible for evaluating all rides and any necessary sanctions or action, to increase consistency and drive continuous improvement of ride standards.
- Increased penalties for offenses, including a double suspension in major races.
- Disqualification applies to offenses involving the use of a whip four or more times in all races.
When Will It Happen?
- Jumps bed-in period: January 9 to February 5
- Full implementation of the jumps: February 6
- Flat bed booking period: February 27 to March 26
- Full implementation of the apartment: March 27
