Davy Russell: People looking at whip issue the wrong way
Speaking in his Betway blog, the two-time Irish champion jockey said: “There has been plenty of stuff written and said about the use of the whip in recent weeks, particularly after that thrilling finish to the King George at Kempton.
“We’ll be lucky if we see a better finish to a big race all season and the sight of Ruby (Walsh) and Paddy (Brennan) battling it out to the line was great for racing.
“People are looking at it the wrong way. Both horses responded to every slap all the way to the line. Jockeys are doing their jobs and shouldn’t be penalised for that.”
Reflecting on his own experiences and, in particular a ban he incurred at Leopardstown’s Christmas festival, Russell added: “I was banned for a day for using my whip too many times aboard First Lieutenant in a driving finish to the Lexus.
“Using the stick 13 times wouldn’t have been pretty viewing for many, but I can assure you that the old boy responded to every bit of urging I gave him. If he hadn’t have responded, I’d have stopped. Simple as that.
“In my eyes, the authorities need to look closer at those using the whip further back in the field on horses that are beaten and not responding.
“That’s where it’s totally unnecessary and the real punishments should be handed out.”
