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The BHA have announced adjustments to the rules regarding the use of the whip
They are:
1. Removal of the numerical limits in place on the use of the whip in the final stages of races (the last furlong of a Flat race and after the last obstacle in a Jumps race). It should be noted in this context that numerical limits on the use of the whip in the final stages of races were in place prior to the new Rules being introduced, including in the final furlong. Numerical limits relating to the number of times that the whip can be used in total throughout a race will remain in place (up to seven times in a Flat race and eight times in a Jumps race). Again, the Board emphasises that these numbers must be viewed as upper limits and not a target number for jockeys in races.
2. Jockeys' riding fees will no longer be included in the penalties for whip offences.
3. The number of days' suspension for whip Rule breaches before the jockey's prize money percentage will be forfeited is to be increased from 3 to 7 days. The effect of this is that where a jockey has used the whip one more time than is allowed under the Rules, the jockey's prize money percentage will no longer be forfeited, but a suspension will continue to apply.
4. Amending the penalty advice where a rider is referred to the Disciplinary Panel having incurred a fourth suspension of five days or more within the previous 12 months. This advice will be changed to a suspension within the range of two months to six months and an entry point of three months.
These adjustments will take effect from the start of racing this afternoon, Friday 21st October. As with all of the Authority's work, these adjustments will be subject to constant monitoring. Additionally, clear processes are in place for annual reviews of all Rules.
They are:
1. Removal of the numerical limits in place on the use of the whip in the final stages of races (the last furlong of a Flat race and after the last obstacle in a Jumps race). It should be noted in this context that numerical limits on the use of the whip in the final stages of races were in place prior to the new Rules being introduced, including in the final furlong. Numerical limits relating to the number of times that the whip can be used in total throughout a race will remain in place (up to seven times in a Flat race and eight times in a Jumps race). Again, the Board emphasises that these numbers must be viewed as upper limits and not a target number for jockeys in races.
2. Jockeys' riding fees will no longer be included in the penalties for whip offences.
3. The number of days' suspension for whip Rule breaches before the jockey's prize money percentage will be forfeited is to be increased from 3 to 7 days. The effect of this is that where a jockey has used the whip one more time than is allowed under the Rules, the jockey's prize money percentage will no longer be forfeited, but a suspension will continue to apply.
4. Amending the penalty advice where a rider is referred to the Disciplinary Panel having incurred a fourth suspension of five days or more within the previous 12 months. This advice will be changed to a suspension within the range of two months to six months and an entry point of three months.
These adjustments will take effect from the start of racing this afternoon, Friday 21st October. As with all of the Authority's work, these adjustments will be subject to constant monitoring. Additionally, clear processes are in place for annual reviews of all Rules.
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OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Board of the British Horseracing Authority today announces adjustments to the Rules on the use of the whip in Horseracing, following discussions with representatives of the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and other stakeholders earlier this week.
Around a year ago, the Authority commenced a review of the use of the whip in Horseracing, focusing on the need for such use, any potential equine welfare issues and the effectiveness of the existing penalty structure. Whilst this process was commenced before the issue was brought to wider public attention, the importance of the review was highlighted by the widespread and significant public comment following a number of high-profile breaches of the Rules.
The process was formalised in April 2011 with a Review encompassing wide consultation both within and outside the industry and led by a dedicated Review Group. The resulting report – ‘A Review of the use of the whip in Horseracing’ – set out clear principles behind the role of the whip in the sport and the need to ensure that the Rules surrounding its use robustly safeguarded the welfare of both jockeys and horses, and protected and enhanced the reputation of Racing. The Review was clear regarding the need to achieve behavioural change amongst jockeys and others; a change in attitudes towards the whip was required.
The Review was approved by the Authority’s Board and widely endorsed upon publication, including by jockeys both in the statement issued by the Authority and independently by the PJA in their own statement of 27th September. However, following the introduction of the new Rules some concerns were raised by the PJA regarding their implementation and, in light of this, the Authority invited the PJA to make representations to the Authority’s Board.
The Board emphasises that it must be the role of the Regulator, not the sport’s participants, to set and enforce the Rules. Regulation cannot be a negotiation, but must involve due consultation. Having undertaken regulatory due process and given careful consideration to the concerns raised by the PJA, the Board has decided that the following Rule adjustments be made:
1. Removal of the numerical limits in place on the use of the whip in the final stages of races (the last furlong of a Flat race and after the last obstacle in a Jumps race). It should be noted in this context that numerical limits on the use of the whip in the final stages of races were in place prior to the new Rules being introduced, including in the final furlong. Numerical limits relating to the number of times that the whip can be used in total throughout a race will remain in place (up to seven times in a Flat race and eight times in a Jumps race). Again, the Board emphasises that these numbers must be viewed as upper limits and not a target number for jockeys in races.
2. Jockeys’ riding fees will no longer be included in the penalties for whip offences.
3. The number of days’ suspension for whip Rule breaches before the jockey’s prize money percentage will be forfeited is to be increased from 3 to 7 days. The effect of this is that where a jockey has used the whip one more time than is allowed under the Rules, the jockey’s prize money percentage will no longer be forfeited, but a suspension will continue to apply.
4. Amending the penalty advice where a rider is referred to the Disciplinary Panel having incurred a fourth suspension of five days or more within the previous 12 months. This advice will be changed to a suspension within the range of two months to six months and an entry point of three months.
These adjustments will take effect from the start of racing this afternoon, Friday 21st October. As with all of the Authority’s work, these adjustments will be subject to constant monitoring. Additionally, clear processes are in place for annual reviews of all Rules.
The Board has also considered the impact on those jockeys who have received penalties that would not have been applied if these adjustments had been in place since the introduction of the new Rules. These penalties will be rescinded and appropriate measures have been taken, including the release of riding fees and prize money where applicable, and riding suspensions either annulled or adjusted.
The Board is committed to the highest standards of regulation in the sport, and ensuring that British Horseracing continues to lead the way in matters of equine welfare.
This is a sport not without its challenges, but they will always be outweighed by the sport's strengths. These challenges will best be met – and are being met – by finding a common purpose amongst the sport’s participants, and by putting the sport first.
The Board of the British Horseracing Authority today announces adjustments to the Rules on the use of the whip in Horseracing, following discussions with representatives of the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and other stakeholders earlier this week.
Around a year ago, the Authority commenced a review of the use of the whip in Horseracing, focusing on the need for such use, any potential equine welfare issues and the effectiveness of the existing penalty structure. Whilst this process was commenced before the issue was brought to wider public attention, the importance of the review was highlighted by the widespread and significant public comment following a number of high-profile breaches of the Rules.
The process was formalised in April 2011 with a Review encompassing wide consultation both within and outside the industry and led by a dedicated Review Group. The resulting report – ‘A Review of the use of the whip in Horseracing’ – set out clear principles behind the role of the whip in the sport and the need to ensure that the Rules surrounding its use robustly safeguarded the welfare of both jockeys and horses, and protected and enhanced the reputation of Racing. The Review was clear regarding the need to achieve behavioural change amongst jockeys and others; a change in attitudes towards the whip was required.
The Review was approved by the Authority’s Board and widely endorsed upon publication, including by jockeys both in the statement issued by the Authority and independently by the PJA in their own statement of 27th September. However, following the introduction of the new Rules some concerns were raised by the PJA regarding their implementation and, in light of this, the Authority invited the PJA to make representations to the Authority’s Board.
The Board emphasises that it must be the role of the Regulator, not the sport’s participants, to set and enforce the Rules. Regulation cannot be a negotiation, but must involve due consultation. Having undertaken regulatory due process and given careful consideration to the concerns raised by the PJA, the Board has decided that the following Rule adjustments be made:
1. Removal of the numerical limits in place on the use of the whip in the final stages of races (the last furlong of a Flat race and after the last obstacle in a Jumps race). It should be noted in this context that numerical limits on the use of the whip in the final stages of races were in place prior to the new Rules being introduced, including in the final furlong. Numerical limits relating to the number of times that the whip can be used in total throughout a race will remain in place (up to seven times in a Flat race and eight times in a Jumps race). Again, the Board emphasises that these numbers must be viewed as upper limits and not a target number for jockeys in races.
2. Jockeys’ riding fees will no longer be included in the penalties for whip offences.
3. The number of days’ suspension for whip Rule breaches before the jockey’s prize money percentage will be forfeited is to be increased from 3 to 7 days. The effect of this is that where a jockey has used the whip one more time than is allowed under the Rules, the jockey’s prize money percentage will no longer be forfeited, but a suspension will continue to apply.
4. Amending the penalty advice where a rider is referred to the Disciplinary Panel having incurred a fourth suspension of five days or more within the previous 12 months. This advice will be changed to a suspension within the range of two months to six months and an entry point of three months.
These adjustments will take effect from the start of racing this afternoon, Friday 21st October. As with all of the Authority’s work, these adjustments will be subject to constant monitoring. Additionally, clear processes are in place for annual reviews of all Rules.
The Board has also considered the impact on those jockeys who have received penalties that would not have been applied if these adjustments had been in place since the introduction of the new Rules. These penalties will be rescinded and appropriate measures have been taken, including the release of riding fees and prize money where applicable, and riding suspensions either annulled or adjusted.
The Board is committed to the highest standards of regulation in the sport, and ensuring that British Horseracing continues to lead the way in matters of equine welfare.
This is a sport not without its challenges, but they will always be outweighed by the sport's strengths. These challenges will best be met – and are being met – by finding a common purpose amongst the sport’s participants, and by putting the sport first.
The jockeys get what they want and the punter gets shafted. they now have a licence to cheat with no financial penalty. great isnt it.
more like a compromise but my only worry is that 'jockey power' will prevail; many years ago, led by dettori, they stopped racing on the grounds of safety of their own volition and it was most unsatisfactory. never forgotten that.
and that poor little french jockey will get his prize money back and be able to ride in france again.
with the current situation I'd say this was the best compromise agreement they could hope for,
both sides should be fairly satisfied with that, and monitor it.
And as they say in racing, We shall see........
both sides should be fairly satisfied with that, and monitor it.
And as they say in racing, We shall see........
have any of you clowns been watching the racing lately bad finishes outsiders winning all because jockeys could not use their whips because of fear of losing cash look at some of the results
personally....i still think the total number in a race will still be a problem.....it's not a big climb down to me......in fact i reckon that if these were the rules to begin with , we still would have had the fuss and they all would have been in there changing these rules....they haven't differentiated between flat and jumps.....what were the jumps boys saying in there ffs????? they can't be happy with 8 per race.....who cares if they can use them all after the last, there will still be a huge problem with horses that need stoking up.....all in all, i thing the bha have held up well enough.
very good decision for me. they've took enough flak and deservedly so, but deserve credit for admitting their mistakes & changing them quickly.
some of us clowns have stopped betting on racing since the introduction of the new rules.
this small relaxation of the rules might encourage some jockeys to start riding a finish again.
this small relaxation of the rules might encourage some jockeys to start riding a finish again.
outpost just window dressing, nothing of substance really resolved. This tinkering is not what was required.
agreed wee eck....didn't the jump boys turn up to that meeting??
A fairly decent compromise, although I think the overall number for NH races possibly needs reconsidering too.
Roy's position is usrely untenable now though, after the PR disaster he's created.
Roy's position is usrely untenable now though, after the PR disaster he's created.
Alayaday,they haven't admitted mistakes. In their arrogant way they have emphasised that it is the role of the Regulator
to set the rules and negotiation has no place in that process. They then go on to imply that they did not negotiate with the jockeys, but listened to their concerns and as a result have amended the rules. They have mearly backed down because of the jockeys' threat to strike,but will never admit that.
to set the rules and negotiation has no place in that process. They then go on to imply that they did not negotiate with the jockeys, but listened to their concerns and as a result have amended the rules. They have mearly backed down because of the jockeys' threat to strike,but will never admit that.
The problem that still exists is the proliferation of front-runners now winning races. Horses are coming to challenge on the run in and the jocks are having to put their whips down and accept it. A layer's paradise - thank you BHA.
JUMPS RACES
- Eight hits allowed at any time, but the removal of five hits to a horse after the final obstacle, or after the final wings of a bumper
- One hit (nine) over - two-day suspension
- Two hits (10) over - four-day suspension
- Three hits over (11) - 10-day suspension
- Thereafter the level of penalty to be increased by two days for each additional hit
(In determining the number of hits, the stewards must disregard any hits down the shoulder with the whip hand still on the reins, and any hit that might be used for correction or safety)
^^The BHA still are not listening! Or did I miss this?
- Eight hits allowed at any time, but the removal of five hits to a horse after the final obstacle, or after the final wings of a bumper
- One hit (nine) over - two-day suspension
- Two hits (10) over - four-day suspension
- Three hits over (11) - 10-day suspension
- Thereafter the level of penalty to be increased by two days for each additional hit
(In determining the number of hits, the stewards must disregard any hits down the shoulder with the whip hand still on the reins, and any hit that might be used for correction or safety)
^^The BHA still are not listening! Or did I miss this?
brigust, just brewing more trouble in the future, this solution is no solution
just adding fuel to the fire. Lawyers will be the overall winners here.
just adding fuel to the fire. Lawyers will be the overall winners here.
alayaday
Date Joined: 16 Nov 02
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21 Oct 11 10:39
very good decision for me. they've took enough flak and deservedly so, but deserve credit for admitting their mistakes & changing them quickly.
WTF? They never admitted mistakes at all!! They were highly pressured into it! Give them credit? Do me a favour
Date Joined: 16 Nov 02
Add contact
21 Oct 11 10:39
very good decision for me. they've took enough flak and deservedly so, but deserve credit for admitting their mistakes & changing them quickly.
WTF? They never admitted mistakes at all!! They were highly pressured into it! Give them credit? Do me a favour
jmdc
21 Oct 11 11:02
Joined:
10 Dec 04
| Topic/replies: 1,171 | Blogger: jmdc's blog
The problem that still exists is the proliferation of front-runners now winning races. Horses are coming to challenge on the run in and the jocks are having to put their whips down and accept it. A layer's paradise - thank you BHA.
What evidence have you to back this up that they are 'having to put their whips down and accept it' ?! The front runner jockey only has the same amount of whips allowed and he/she too has to put their whip down!!
21 Oct 11 11:02
Joined:
10 Dec 04
| Topic/replies: 1,171 | Blogger: jmdc's blog
The problem that still exists is the proliferation of front-runners now winning races. Horses are coming to challenge on the run in and the jocks are having to put their whips down and accept it. A layer's paradise - thank you BHA.
What evidence have you to back this up that they are 'having to put their whips down and accept it' ?! The front runner jockey only has the same amount of whips allowed and he/she too has to put their whip down!!
Some absolute moronic views posted on here as usual
^ Have a look at Justabout & Painted Sky at Plumpton before you start banding names about moron!
LOL - you my friend, are the only moron. You have named TWO horses. How about you give it more than just over TWO WEEKS before deciding that that is defiintely the case. incredible.
PLUS, Plumpton is a course that FAVOURS front runners anyway!!
^ I've had a great week. Hope I laid some that you backed, end of!
If the new rules do favour front runners this will self-correct itself over time by way of more competition for the lead until the hold up horses start becoming favourable again, meanwhile with race paces being more truly run, therefore less falsely run races and more reliable formlines can't be a bad thing.
precisely grendel, an educated view at last.
jmdc, you have clearly summed up your own pointless view by ending your case with 'Hope I laid some that you backed, end of! '
jmdc, you have clearly summed up your own pointless view by ending your case with 'Hope I laid some that you backed, end of! '
What do some of you people want - a firing squad?
It strikes me this is a massive (and convenient) climbdown. More than the jockeys could/should have expected.
There is huge hypocrisy on here - even if the old rules were back how long would it be before the jockeys you appear to be supporting would be criticised for not trying?
Personally, I wouldn't miss any of the so-called top jocks if they retired now. I think we have most accident prone bunch I can remember. And these are the people you are supporting. We badly need to educate a new breed (nearly said crop) who are willing to and can adapt to change - the current bunch are clearly a lost cause.
It strikes me this is a massive (and convenient) climbdown. More than the jockeys could/should have expected.
There is huge hypocrisy on here - even if the old rules were back how long would it be before the jockeys you appear to be supporting would be criticised for not trying?
Personally, I wouldn't miss any of the so-called top jocks if they retired now. I think we have most accident prone bunch I can remember. And these are the people you are supporting. We badly need to educate a new breed (nearly said crop) who are willing to and can adapt to change - the current bunch are clearly a lost cause.
Very weak leadership from the top. Jockeys now know they can threaten to strike and get their way in future.
All the BHA have confirmed is that they do not have a clue about horse racing.
How many on here used to count the number of times a horse was hit? Probably none of you.
How many recognised when a horse was being hit too many times or when it had no chance? Probably most of you.
This is a clueless decision. All the BHA had to do was say 'we would penalise anyone we believe to have over-hit a horse or hit it when it was not in contention'.
What we will see now is a greater increase in the use of blinkers and visors. Any horse running lazily or within his/her own ability will be pushed further. Before this encouragement from the saddle was sufficient. Not any more.
As a horse welfare issue this is a disaster.
How many on here used to count the number of times a horse was hit? Probably none of you.
How many recognised when a horse was being hit too many times or when it had no chance? Probably most of you.
This is a clueless decision. All the BHA had to do was say 'we would penalise anyone we believe to have over-hit a horse or hit it when it was not in contention'.
What we will see now is a greater increase in the use of blinkers and visors. Any horse running lazily or within his/her own ability will be pushed further. Before this encouragement from the saddle was sufficient. Not any more.
As a horse welfare issue this is a disaster.
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