Willie Mullins calls for new whip rules to be delayed

COMEBACK TRAIL: Allaho before morning exercise at Willie Mullins' Closutton base on Monday. The dual Ryanair Chase winner appears to be winning his fitness race to defend his crown. Picture: Lorraine O'Sullivan/PA

Willie Mullins believes the full introduction of new whip rules should be delayed until the end of the current British jumps season.

New regulations are set to come into force on February 13, with the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) continuing to allow the use of the whip in the forehand position, having reversed a previous decision to ban it after objections from jockeys, although permitted use of the whip has been reduced whilst also toughening up the penalty structure.