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changes to whip rules

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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.

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8 hours ago, Punchnblowmewait said:

Absolutely agree with the first, second and fourth point.

That said, I have to admit I thought the 3rd point was already enshrined.

 

Certainly not if Riccarton today was anything to go by.

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Just watched La Parisienne win the first at Tauranga with Ace Lawson Carrol up , could someone tell me when he was clearly going to win ALC changed the whip into his other hand and hit the horse 2 more times .

I am so fucken over this shit , absolutely no reason for him to do this , 

Call me a do gooder I don't care , it's animal cruelty . 

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1 hour ago, nomates said:

Just watched La Parisienne win the first at Tauranga with Ace Lawson Carrol up , could someone tell me when he was clearly going to win ALC changed the whip into his other hand and hit the horse 2 more times .

I am so fucken over this shit , absolutely no reason for him to do this , 

Call me a do gooder I don't care , it's animal cruelty . 

Even if you disregard the cruelty factor, it was entirely unnecessary. Won by four lengths. Rule three should refer to both hands on the reins at all times then the whip can only be used on the shoulder.

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5 minutes ago, Blue said:

Even if you disregard the cruelty factor, it was entirely unnecessary. Won by four lengths. Rule three should refer to both hands on the reins at all times then the whip can only be used on the shoulder.

Exactly , I was watching thinking this is home and then I seen him drawing the whip through and thought don't you bloody dare , but he did and then another 100mtrs or so later when so close to home .

Completely unnecessary , I will be interested to see if the stipes say anything .

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34 minutes ago, nomates said:

Exactly , I was watching thinking this is home and then I seen him drawing the whip through and thought don't you bloody dare , but he did and then another 100mtrs or so later when so close to home .

Completely unnecessary , I will be interested to see if the stipes say anything .

I was surprised this one didnt get brought up last week but possibly just as bad - whipping after the race has finished now..

Non Raceday Inquiry - Written Decision dated 28 January 2025 - Rohan Mudhoo - RIB  

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7 hours ago, nomates said:

Just watched La Parisienne win the first at Tauranga with Ace Lawson Carrol up , could someone tell me when he was clearly going to win ALC changed the whip into his other hand and hit the horse 2 more times .

I am so fucken over this shit , absolutely no reason for him to do this , 

Call me a do gooder I don't care , it's animal cruelty . 

no mention in the stipes report of unnecessary use of whip on a runner clearly winning

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Effective as from two days ago??? Farcical. #2 The whip must not be used on a horses flank. If the whip is used behind the saddle how can it NOT be used on the flank? Will never work unless the rule does not allow the whip to be used behind the saddle and two hands are on the reins at all times.

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4 minutes ago, Blue said:

Effective as from two days ago??? Farcical. #2 The whip must not be used on a horses flank. If the whip is used behind the saddle how can it NOT be used on the flank? Will never work unless the rule does not allow the whip to be used behind the saddle and two hands are on the reins at all times.

Agree 100%.  Watch any race. 

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8 minutes ago, Blue said:

Effective as from two days ago??? Farcical. #2 The whip must not be used on a horses flank. If the whip is used behind the saddle how can it NOT be used on the flank? Will never work unless the rule does not allow the whip to be used behind the saddle and two hands are on the reins at all times.

Works everywhere else in the world. It must be used only on the hind quarters.

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