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27 Oct 11
16:18
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Date Joined:
05 Jan 10
BY GRAHAM GREEN racingpost.com
THE controversy surrounding the new whip rules is set to enter the political arena next week, when the All-Party Racing Group of MPs meet to discuss the crisis embroiling the sport.
On Wednesday leading jumps owner David Johnson added his voice to the criticism of the BHA hierarchy, already under pressure to make further concessions over the penalties that were revised last week.
Johnson's comments come after Johnny Murtagh's decision to follow Ruby Walsh's lead and limit his appearances in Britain in protest over the regulations that restrict the number of times the whip can be used, and impose heavy punishments on riders found in breach.
With no sign of a resolution in the dispute, the All-Party Racing Group will bring the parties together on Tuesday when debating the issues with senior figures from the warring factions.
Also attending the meeting will be Kevin Darley, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, along with BHA representatives Jamie Stier, director of raceday operations and regulation, and Dr Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare.
Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson, joint-chairman of the All-Party Racing Group, said: "There is obviously a great deal of concern regarding the new whip rules, even though they have been amended. Talks of strikes by jockeys, and the whole public argument, cannot be good for the sport.
"At the last committee meeting it was agreed that we would host a discussion on this issue so we can hear from a number of different sides in the argument.
"Whichever way this issue is finalised, I hope the right balance is struck so it ends up being good for the horse and good for racing. I'm sure that with goodwill and sensible judgements, that can be achieved."
A BHA spokesman said on Wednesday night: "In response to an invitation from the group,the BHA has confirmed that it is committed to constant monitoring of the situation and constructive dialogue with the PJA.
"All sides agree this is best not carried out in public. We will be happy to answer questions the groupmay have, and have been engaging with parliament extensively on this and other issues over the last 12 months, but do not think debate is appropriate or helpful at this time."
Johnson claims the regulatory body would have been better advised to have left the whip rules as they were.
He said: "I think the authorities have overreacted, it's very subjective. Sometimes eight hits is too many, sometimes five is. You can strike a horse with less frequency, but with more aggression. Where there were abuses in the past the stewards ruled accordingly and I think jockeys, trainers and owners were all largely happy with the system.
"When you see top jockeys like Ruby and Johnny Murtagh saying they might not come over, then that can't be good for British racing."
THE controversy surrounding the new whip rules is set to enter the political arena next week, when the All-Party Racing Group of MPs meet to discuss the crisis embroiling the sport.
On Wednesday leading jumps owner David Johnson added his voice to the criticism of the BHA hierarchy, already under pressure to make further concessions over the penalties that were revised last week.
Johnson's comments come after Johnny Murtagh's decision to follow Ruby Walsh's lead and limit his appearances in Britain in protest over the regulations that restrict the number of times the whip can be used, and impose heavy punishments on riders found in breach.
With no sign of a resolution in the dispute, the All-Party Racing Group will bring the parties together on Tuesday when debating the issues with senior figures from the warring factions.
Also attending the meeting will be Kevin Darley, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, along with BHA representatives Jamie Stier, director of raceday operations and regulation, and Dr Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare.
Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson, joint-chairman of the All-Party Racing Group, said: "There is obviously a great deal of concern regarding the new whip rules, even though they have been amended. Talks of strikes by jockeys, and the whole public argument, cannot be good for the sport.
"At the last committee meeting it was agreed that we would host a discussion on this issue so we can hear from a number of different sides in the argument.
"Whichever way this issue is finalised, I hope the right balance is struck so it ends up being good for the horse and good for racing. I'm sure that with goodwill and sensible judgements, that can be achieved."
A BHA spokesman said on Wednesday night: "In response to an invitation from the group,the BHA has confirmed that it is committed to constant monitoring of the situation and constructive dialogue with the PJA.
"All sides agree this is best not carried out in public. We will be happy to answer questions the groupmay have, and have been engaging with parliament extensively on this and other issues over the last 12 months, but do not think debate is appropriate or helpful at this time."
Johnson claims the regulatory body would have been better advised to have left the whip rules as they were.
He said: "I think the authorities have overreacted, it's very subjective. Sometimes eight hits is too many, sometimes five is. You can strike a horse with less frequency, but with more aggression. Where there were abuses in the past the stewards ruled accordingly and I think jockeys, trainers and owners were all largely happy with the system.
"When you see top jockeys like Ruby and Johnny Murtagh saying they might not come over, then that can't be good for British racing."
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I always thought that the only way to get rid of Paul Roy is if this committee comes out with a damning criticism of the BHA.
Hip hip hooray! Now we might see some movement in the Boardroom.
Hip hip hooray! Now we might see some movement in the Boardroom.
The Bha do not think " debate is appropriate ". Wtf do they think they are ?
May I suggest that James Willoughby is put forward as the representative of 'Racing' in support of the air cushioned pro cushion and it's ethical use within racing.
I'm sure you will all agree James has spoken eloquently on the subject in recent weeks on RUK.
I'm sure you will all agree James has spoken eloquently on the subject in recent weeks on RUK.
"best not carried out in public"!!!!!!
Why's that BHA? Do you not want the public to realise how badly you've screwed up?
Resign! Resign! Resign! The whole bunch of you nincompoops
Why's that BHA? Do you not want the public to realise how badly you've screwed up?
Resign! Resign! Resign! The whole bunch of you nincompoops
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