Is it just Britain that has issues with the whip?

cos we is more moral than Johnny Foreigner (same reason we give millions we haven't got to countries that hate us )

Norway or some such has banned it.
I don`t think the other significant racing countries have the same issues. Though the Australians have more or less banned jump racing.

its a generally sensitivity to animal welfare, rather than something specific to horse racing.  Hunting Act is a clear indication of how things are viewed differently in the UK from abroad.  there would be uproar in France if they couldn't chase down sangliers, but in Britain the balance of power lies with the townies

aus and nz have both had looks at it, i might be wrong but i think aus limited the whip to 18 stikes during a race a couple of years back; bear in mind they have banned jumps so that's just for flat racing

so it is just us then? Alienating seasoned punters seems a good idea to BHA,not sure why as there isn't much new blood coming through.Youngsters want machines and quick gratification so if BHA was attuned to Bill and Ben why haven't they got FOBT'S scattered around Tatts,Parade Ring and on course restaurants? It will help towards levy shortfall. Seasoned punters want fewer meetings, more competitive racing only and for Bookies to lay a bet,one follows the other.The whip is an integral part of racing,like it or lump it. Has the Angling authority outlawed hooks for tickling yet?

sorry didn't see replies,got sidetracked for a few minutes.Just us that pander to PC brigade then?

it appears so, although the bha have stated that they see themselves as a leader rather than a follower in developing rules, policy etc within racing

i think it's even part of their vision / mission statement

the world was watching when they went with these current rules, i'll take any money they won't be quick to follow

It`s not really the PC brigade. The animal rights people tend to focus on the one subject which isn`t really political. I am left-wing generally but am totally against these new whip rules and that applies to a number of other forumites who have been posting. It is NOT helpful to try and make it a right v left issue. Would you call McCririck PC ?

allowed 100 strikes in USA - Frank tried hard on Cape Blanco but didn't quite get there...................................

McCririck has his own agenda,just keep himself in the news.Am surprised he isn't fronting a PYO campaign from the fruit growers.I'm 44 and don't believe current whips sear anything like yesteryear.Piggott is a legend who knew when to persuade horses and punters were excited,how would he and Rat-a-Tat Pat have carved champion careers nowadays.Racehorses generally live a pampered life but the home comforts aren't headline making.As it stands seasoned punters will bet less day to day,we've seen the jockeys mindset change within a fortnight.Willie Carson could push and shove but he also knew when a persuader was required.Less punting sees even less levy and some sort of Armageddon for British racing.Punters need confidence in jockeys,the changes hamper and hinder.Next it will be banning racing on Heavy and then distances over 3 miles,the rot has begun.

Yes I agree with that. If all footballers stuck so closely to the rules that no yellow cards were handed out I suspect people would be less enthusiastic about betting on football.

not always sure how to take you SS but rules is rules besides I grew up an avid footy fan.I don't go nowadays if offered a freebie. The no tackle rule and non aggression guidelines makes me believe the game as it stands belongs on the continent.

For once I was being serious. I think people want to bet on a sport where they feel people are trying their best.

...with the surrender monkeys.I can't get my head around positive and negative political correctness,so as the Irishman used to chirp constantly on a Sunday evening .." just say what you see,say what you see"

pure sport is about competition and until fans of a particular sport adapt their mindset to a rule change it won't feel right, as you say it will seem as though the best isn't being achieved in terms of the result

i can see the need to protect animals from abuse, i can see how affecting the rules will possibly (short term) affect peoples perception of the sport, my own issue is the way the bha are going about it, they are have been pretty poor throughout the whole thing, paul roys for a start should go

That SS is the crux,if trying too hard or even extremely hard to win is outlawed then the sport is dead. What would the attendance and betting turnover be at Cheltenham in March if we staggered runners in each contest by approx 15 seconds so they could perform a dressage only in front of the stands.Lots of actual skill and domination but no raceriding and testosterone. No more Irish pilgrimage in Springtime.

I think people want to bet on a sport where they feel people are trying their best.

SS, I would think such people would give up on UK racing after a few weeks regardless of whip rules.