New Whip Rules for Australian Racing Industry
Wednesday October 7, 2009
The Australian racing industry has experienced a level of upheaval over recent weeks as the Australian Racing Board and Australian Jockeys Association clashed over the introduction of new whipping horse racing regulations in time for the Spring Carnival.
While the initial whip rules resulted in striking from jockeys, The Australian Racing Board later announced that while the majority of the regulations would remain, there had been amendments to these rules that will run over a trial period until the 1st February 2010.
The whip rules were reformed on the 23rd September 2009 when the Australian Racing Board released a statement saying that two of the rules had been amended, namely that the 200 metre mark was reduced to a 100 metre mark when it comes to the manner of which a rider can use the whip in a forehand manner in consecutive strides, although the whip may not be used on more than five occasions. Furthermore, the rider is able to apply their own discretion when it comes to use of the whip in the final 100 metres along with in compliance with other requirements of racing.
What's more, horse riders will also be monitored for compliance with similar regulations governing when the whip should be applied and in what situations. Namely, a whip is not to be used if a horse is not responding or not in contention for a dividend-bearing placement.
While many in the horse racing industry are saying that the introduction of the padded whips should negate any need for restrictions on whipping, the Australian Racing Board has remained committed to its stance in trying to make the industry far better for the animals involved.
