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Dear %%Recipient%%,
The Racing Australia Board, which comprises all Australia’s Principal Racing Authorities, has decided on a change to the current whip rules. This decision was reached after months of consideration and took into account the views of the Australian Jockeys’ Association.
In deciding on new rules, Racing Australia has a responsibility to achieve certain outcomes i.e, ensure races are run fairly, the risk of injury to riders and horses is minimized, the welfare of horses is protected and public confidence in racing is maximized. In introducing these amendments, Racing Australia is mindful of contemporary public attitudes towards the welfare of animals, particularly as demonstrated recently in happenings in other racing codes.
It is now seven years since major whip reform was introduced to Australian thoroughbred racing, whereby restrictions were placed on the use of the whip in a forehand manner prior to the 100 metres. Whilst by and large those reforms were successful in substantially reducing reliance by the riders on the whip in race finishes, unfortunately what did evolve for a significant number of riders, was an increased emphasis on the backhand use of the whip to the point of a proficiency close to that of forehand strikes.
Consequently, revised rules governing use of the whip will be introduced on 1 December, 2015, to remove the current distinction between forehand and backhand strikes. A rider prior to the 100m, after the 1st December 2015, can only use the whip on no more than 5 occasions and in non-consecutive strides, irrespective of whether the strikes are forehand or backhand or a combination of both.
The stewards will have discretion and will use common sense when assessing any breach of the rules, particularly in the initial weeks of the introduction of this rule or where control of the horse and safety of the rider may be compromised. However, notice is given that more substantial penalties may well apply for flagrant breaches, particularly in feature races.
The amended AR.137A(5) is to read: |
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