Leggy

Let alone the poor bloody horses which can't come on here and speak for themselves. TA, pm me. I can think of a couple of horses you could hop on and give them a dig with your spurs, so you can see what they have to say about it.

The HISA rules in the US are similar. I assume that is what it is intended the flank rule to mean here and elsewhere that it exists, but I think these are clearer about that. Riders may not raise their wrists above their helmets prior to striking a horse, nor may they hit the horse anywhere other than the shoulder or hindquarters.

Perhaps, though I think the BHA rule is written more clearly to avoid misinterpretation: f) A rider must only use the whip on the hindquarters of the horse in either the forehand or backhand position or down the shoulder with the whip in the backhand position.

(f) Without limiting the generality of subrule 638(3)(e), in a Flat Race or Jumping Race, a Trial (including jump-outs and/or tests for certification purposes) a Rider must not use their or her whip: (i) forward of the Rider’s horse’s shoulder or in the vicinity of its head; or (ii) using an action that raises the Rider’s arm above shoulder height; or (iii) when the Rider’s horse is out of contention of finishing in the first five placings; or [Amended 12 February 2025] (iv) when the Rider’s horse is showing no response; or (v) after passing the winning post; or (vi) in a manner that causes a welt and/or injury to the Rider’s horse; or (Amended 12 February 2025]) (vii) when the Rider’s horse is clearly winning; or (viii) when the Rider’s horse has no reasonable prospect of improving or losing its position; or (ix) in a manner where the seam of the flap is the point of contact with the horse, unless the Rider satisfies the Stewards that that was neither deliberate nor reckless. (x) on the flank of the Rider’s horse; or (Added 12 February 20252025) (xi) forward of the Rider’s saddle whilst the whip is held in the forehand position

They have acted today on the arm above shoulder issue. J Parker (GEORGIAN WARRIOR) - Admitted a charge in that he used his whip with an action which raised the rider’s arm above shoulder height on four occasions in the final straight. After considering submissions the Adjudicative Committee imposed a fine of $400

AMENDMENTS TO THE WHIP RULES (RULE 638(3)(c)) After very careful consideration, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has decided to make some changes to the Rules regarding the use of the whip. These changes were initiated by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities to try to achieve consistency with the use of the whip by Jockeys over the world. As you will be aware, the use of the whip during a race is seen by many people as cruel and unless we take steps to change that perception we could face increasing opposition. The changes to the Rules are for the welfare of the horse, to demonstrate that we are serious about caring for our horses. The new Rules are intended to make sure that whips are not used in such a way that they cause unnecessary pain during a race. The changes to the Rules will come into effect next Wednesday (12th February). These changes are: The whip must not be used if you are not in contention of running in the first five placings. – The whip should only be used to get the best out of your horse when in contention. It is not a good look for horses out of contention to be getting hit with the whip. The whip must not be used on a horse’s flank. – The horse’s flank is a very sensitive area and getting hit there is painful. This area must be avoided. The whip must not be used forward of the saddle whilst it is held in the forehand position. – A horse’s shoulder, neck and head are also sensitive areas and should not be hit with any force. Tapping the shoulder using the whip in the downward position is ok. The whip must not be used in a manner which causes a welt and or injury. – Whips should be used for encouragement and not to cause injury. Injuries and welts may be seen by spectators or on television and makes racing look bad. In essence, most Jockeys will not have to make any changes to the way they use the whip currently, as it is not common for it to be used in a way which would breach the new Rules. The new Rules are to show that there is no intention to use the whip irresponsibly. The new Rules are not intended to collect more money in fines, the best outcome would be if no jockey was ever found guilty of breaking them. The rule amendments will be published shortly and will be available on the LoveRacing website. These are added to the existing rules, please check the rule book for all whip rules.

I just posted their response to a roadshow question about this on another site :} It is in line with what you say above: We are comfortable with the current Whip Rules and where they sit on an international scale. Minor amendments were processed last week following the Asian Racing Conference’s Rules Harmonisation meeting. We will continue to work the Racing Integrity Board to ensure that any breaches of the Whip Rules are dealt with appropriately under the Penalty Guidelines

Don't get me wrong, I'm not picking on jockeys here. I'd have him on one of mine in a heartbeat. Just might get my trainer to include do not strike it on the flank in the instructions I am generally just posting pics where there is decent vision of the breach.

Here's one for today.

Here's one I noticed yesterday.

I agree about the coverage. Top marks for that. The first night it started awful and I switched to ITV, but since then we've had all the parade ring, prelims, behind the gate, replays and jockey interviews from the races I've seen. Super job by trackside.

Buggered if I can see where it touched another horse when angled out.

One more in the last to finish for the day.

Here ya go since you seem to be fond of her form.