Walsh expresses unease with new BHA whip rules

RUBY WALSH yesterday expressed his unease at the British Horseracing Authority’s new rules regarding the use of the whip, which come into force on October 10.

The rules will now limit a jockey to seven strikes on the flat and eight over jumps. In addition a jockey will only be able to use his whip on five occasions after the last obstacle or, in flat races, inside the final furlong.

The rules have been generally welcomed, with the likes of Tony McCoy, Richard Hughes, Frankie Dettori and Graham Lee all coming out in favour of them.