By Chris Roots
Stewards are set to revisit the use of the whip in racing, six years after the method and the number of strikes were limited in the rules.
The racing industry is becoming increasing aware of the public perception of the sport and modern community standards. Australia's chief stewards have discussed the matter and are ready to strengthen the rules.
Whips cracking: Jockey use of whips in racing is set to be reviewed.Credit: Damian White
The issue of animal welfare in sports has been bought into sharp focus following the revelations of live-baiting in the greyhound industry.
At the moment, jockeys can only use a padded whip, with restrictions on its use of only five strikes before the 100 metres in a forehand motion and not in consecutive strides. There are further restrictions of not hitting horses out of contention or raising whips above the shoulder.
"The rules were diluted when we brought them in and we have had a discussion with stewards around the country about perhaps tightening them up a bit more," Racing NSW chairman of stewards Ray Murrihy said on Wednesday.
"Jockeys have responded well to the rules and shown they have adjusted to the rules. Since October 2009 we have only had 156 suspensions from the new rules and that would be less than 0.1 per cent. They have adjusted their styles and moved with the times.
"We would look at taking away the distinction between forehand and backhand use of the whip that is in the rules at the moment and make other changes."
Former leading racing lawman John Schreck has long campaigned about the dependence on the whip in Australian racing. He said animal welfare groups were sure to again turn their attention to the debate.
"If the sport does not do something about whip use, the animal activists will eventually get their story on the front pages of newspapers," he said. "Racing has to learn to dance with a new partner, the welfare lobby. Given time and good management, the sport might even start to lead the dance.
"There is no doubt whips are still being overused on Australian racetracks. While race riders should always carry a whip, it is just how they use it.
"There are many in our society who say defending whip use is nigh on impossible. They will say hitting a horse with a whip, incurring pain or even injury, is unjustifiable in this day and age.
"Racing administrators simply have to accept that racing is not excluded from what is happening generally. Many are asking if the whip still has a place in horse racing."
Australian Jockey Association chief executive Paul Innes believes perception plays a big role in the whip debate.
"We would rather it be called a riding crop instead of a whip, which has negative connotations," Innes said. "It is part of the equipment jockeys need to do their job.
"The whips rules have had the desired effect on racing and we think there shouldn't be any further changes to the rules."
Meanwhile, the premium thoroughbred television station TVN will close on March 15 after its board signed off on a separation agreement on Wednesday.
The agreement was finalised this week following negotiations between the NSW and Victorian shareholders after they decided to pursue different media strategies.
The financial impact on shareholders - the Australian Turf Club, Victoria Racing Club, Melbourne Racing Club, Moonee Valley Race Club and Country Racing Victoria – will not be known for some time.
Shareholders will continue to discuss which partner will acquire print elements of the businesses Best Bets and Winning Post in the next couple of weeks.
Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club have already signed a heads of agreement with Sky Racing for the next 10 years, with an option in their favour for another 10 years. A long-form agreement will be completed next week.
Victorian racing is still trying to secure a vision deal.