Student solves whip problem

A 16-year-old student has devised technology to help jockeys avoid bans for overuse of the whip.

Matthew Cullen from Castleconnor, Co Sligo, has developed a device called Eqwhip which tells jockeys if they have reached their quota through an ear device linked through bluetooth to the tiny computer circuit in the whip. An LED light on the whip handle will also turn on and the whip can be set to ride over jumps or the flat, depending on the jockey’s wishes.

The St Muredach’s College student has been granted a provisional worldwide patent for his project and has already been in talks with several jockeys and the Turf Club.