British Horseracing Authority uneasy about rise in whip use in top races

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is planning further consultation on the subject of suspensions incurred in Group/Grade One races, although the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) has warned against hurrying any increase in the severity of penalties.

Data indicates a 9% drop in whip offences last year compared to 2014, with just 0.61% of rides now incurring a suspension.

This equated to a total decrease of 48% in the number of offences when compared to 2010, the last full year before the revised whip rules were introduced, despite the thresholds for use having been effectively halved.