BHA reassure RSPCA over whip
David Muir, equine consultant at the RSPCA, described the decision to make fresh changes to the whip rules, originally brought into place in October, as “a backward step” and “absolutely staggering”.
The key element to latest amendments is that rather than it being an automatic breach when a rider uses the whip eight times on the Flat and nine times over jumps, the figures become the trigger point for the stewards to review the ride.
Stewards will be given more discretion over deciding how the rider has used the whip, and the severity of the penalty itself, with the new rules being introduced in early March.
In a statement, Muir said: “It is absolutely staggering that the BHA has taken such a backward step, less than six months after the whip rules were introduced to react to public concern regarding the use of the whip in racing.
“The BHA has not seen fit to discuss the need for such changes with any other of the review stakeholders including the RSPCA and other animal welfare groups, yet they have seen it necessary to change the rules and penalty structure in favour of the jockeys.
“This action flies in the face of scientific research which shows that excessive use of the whip actually increases the likelihood of falls some of which produce injury or fatality.
“This is a black day for the racing industry but the real losers are the horses — jockeys are once again allowed to use the whip excessively without a relatively strong preventative punitive element.
“We are extremely disappointed that once again the regulatory authority has seen it necessary to change the rules but will monitor the results closely and if these changes prove to compromise the welfare of the racehorse we shall hold the BHA to account.’’
In response, BHA communications consultant John Maxse said: “First and foremost the BHA greatly values the relationship it has with David Muir and the RSPCA and there are forthcoming meetings scheduled in the near future at which we look forward to discussing a range of issues with them, including the whip.
“I’d also want to make the point that the BHA’s commitment to horse welfare remains as strong as it has ever been. It is important to say there is absolutely no slight on the RSPCA or any other welfare body in relation to the absence of a form of consultation prior to yesterday’s announcement.
“The only organisation with whom the BHA held any kind of form of consultation was the Professional Jockeys Association (PFA).
“The RSPCA were not intentionally left out, nor were the National Trainers Federation, or the Racehorse Owners Association.’’
The jockeys themselves have welcomed the rule changes.
Ruby Walsh said: “It’s good progress anyway. It’s like anything, you’ll try it and you see how it works.
“I think they’ve gone the right way and I think it takes the bigger person to go and change rules.
“Everyone can make decisions but when people realise it’s a mistake, it takes bigger people to rectify it and I think for that you have to commend Paul Bittar and the BHA.”
Richard Hughes said: “I’m delighted they’ve changed the rules as they were doing more damage than good.’’
Jason Maguire, who was given a suspension when landing last year’s Grand National aboard Ballabriggs, is keen to reserve judgement until he sees how the extra powers of discretion stewards have been given will be applied.
“I don’t know what to think. I don’t want to say too much about it,” said Maguire.
“The thing about the rules as they were, you knew where you stood with the amount of times you could use the whip.
“It looks like they are now giving the stewards more discretion, but stewards at one course will have different ideas to stewards at another course, so we’re just going to have to see what happens.”
