6PR - Fairfax Radio Network

What we're talking about

Changes Coming To Whip Riding

Posted by: Bob Maumill | 11 March, 2009 - 11:39 AM
Bob's Blog Administrators of the Australian horse racing codes are trying to establish rules and guidelines to lessen the pain inflicted on horses in racing, pacing, and trotting events.

The changes will mean jockeys will carry paddled whips designed to minimize the pain associated with the use of the whip.

Authorities are keen to improve the image of racing by limiting the use of whips, paddled or otherwise, to a few strokes in the latter stages of races.

Of course some horses need a whack to wake them up. Others need a smack with the whip as a deterrent to unruly behaviour, or to correct erratic behaviour.

Racing authorities have been slow in reacting to calls for new laws to govern the use of whips.

Discussions I have had with some politicians suggest seeing a horse being whipped mercilessly in a race presents a poor image of racing and if administrators of the horse racing industries do not act, at least one Senator in the Federal Parliament that I have spoken to intends to raise questions about the issue.

As a participant in thoroughbred racing I am keen to see change.

The slather and whack, smash and bash style should be outlawed.

So called "punishing riders" present a negative image of racing. Seeing horses flogged is a turn off for many people who go to the races because they love seeing beautiful thoroughbreds in action.

The flogging of horses as practised by some of our leading jockeys would not be tolerated in other racing countries.

American riders never punish horses the way some of their Australian counterparts wield the whip.

British jockeys are forbidden from delivering the number of whip strokes that Australian riders regularly lay on their mounts.

Champion Australian jockey Craig Williams is a marvellous example of how superb judgement, horsemanship, and minimum whip use can bring success.

Craig, a horse lover, regularly wins some of Australia?s biggest races with a style that inflicts minimum pain on his mounts.

His style should be the example used by people teaching our next generation of young riders.

I have been advised by racing authorities that changes are in the offing and will be enforced.

I say, not before time.

Blog comments Your Say

Post a comment * Mandatory fields