BHA reassure RSPCA over whip (From The Northern Echo)

BHA reassure RSPCA over whip

8:00am Thursday 23rd February 2012 in Sport

British Horseracing Authority officials have stressed they "greatly value" their relationship with the RSPCA in the wake of the latest changes to the controversial whip rules.

David Muir, equine consultant at the RSPCA, described the decision to make fresh changes to the whip rules, originally brought into place in October, as "a backward step" and "absolutely staggering".

The key element to latest amendments is that rather than it being an automatic breach when a rider uses the whip eight times on the Flat and nine times over jumps, the figures become the trigger point for the stewards to review the ride.

Stewards will be given more discretion over deciding how the rider has used the whip, and the severity of the penalty itself, with the new rules being introduced in early March.

In a statement, Muir said: "It is absolutely staggering that the BHA has taken such a backward step, less than six months after the whip rules were introduced to react to public concern regarding the use of the whip in racing.

"The BHA has not seen fit to discuss the need for such changes with any other of the review stakeholders including the RSPCA and other animal welfare groups, yet they have seen it necessary to change the rules and penalty structure in favour of the jockeys.

"This action flies in the face of scientific research which shows that excessive use of the whip actually increases the likelihood of falls some of which produce injury or fatality apparently supported by the short term statistics available.

"This is a black day for the racing industry but the real losers are the horses - jockeys are once again allowed to use the whip excessively without a relatively strong preventative punitive element.

"We are extremely disappointed that once again the regulatory authority has seen it necessary to change the rules but will monitor the results closely and if these changes prove to compromise the welfare of the racehorse we shall hold the BHA to account."

In response, BHA communications consultant John Maxse said: "First and foremost the BHA greatly values the relationship it has with David Muir and the RSPCA and there are forthcoming meetings scheduled in the near future at which we look forward to discussing a range of issues with them, including the whip.

"I'd also want to make the point that the BHA's commitment to horse welfare remains as strong as it has ever been."

The jockeys themselves have welcomed the rule changes, although some still have concerns about how the extra discretion stewards have been given will be applied.