Whip Abuse - Would you change the rules and how?

[Gingertipster]

Are the whip rules sufficient? Do they go too far? Or not far enough? To allow jockeys to carry it but only allowed to use it to straighten a horse (as some want), would (imo) lead to jockeys allowing their horses to wander; so gaining an unfair advantage. Unworkable. No whips would change racing out of all recognition. Front runners will have a big advantage. Leading to jockeys needing to keep closer to the pace, as horses won't find as much when pushed. A smaller group of genuine horses win a greater share of races. Less genuine horses (even the good quality ones) struggle to win anything. Far fewer close finishes. Jockeys might try to come up with ingenious ways (infinitely worse ways) to scare horse to run faster. There'd be problems with horses colliding. At Epsom with the camber, horses naturally drift left to the rail. Without a whip it will be more difficult to stop interference and possible contact / fallers. Of course sometimes the whip causes the problem, but in this case the whip can also be used to stop the incident from getting any worse. Here is what I would like to see: As it stands, jockeys are taking liberties, especially in valuable races. If all whip "abuse" is met with disqualification, it will put off many punters. However... A better solution might be to grade abuse of the whip, in a similar way as it does now, but with the ultimate deterrent used in the worst cases. Anything that breaks the skin or leaves a semi-permanent mark - immediate disqualification. Anything where the jockey breaks the rules by a considerable margin - disqualification. ie A good deal more than the allowed "slaps" (not just a little above the “limit”), or bringing the hand well above the shoulder (not just slightly) / far too much force, or hitting it a lot in the wrong position (not just once). In all cases the jockey gets banned. Anything more minor gets a lesser ban, without the horse being disqualified. In all cases the jockey's share of winnings is witheld. May be then they'll think twice! How would you change the existing whip rules?

[Tabbythecat]

Re: Whip Abuse - Would you change the rules and how?

Are the whip rules sufficient? Do they go too far? Or not far enough? Here is what I would like to see: As it stands, jockeys are taking liberties, especially in valuable races. If all whip "abuse" is met with disqualification, it will put off many punters. However... A better solution might be to grade abuse of the whip, in a similar way as it does now, but with the ultimate deterrent used in the worst cases. Anything that breaks the skin or leaves a semi-permanent mark - immediate disqualification. Anything where the jockey breaks the rules by a considerable margin - disqualification. ie A good deal more than the allowed "slaps" (not just a little above the “limit”), or bringing the hand well above the shoulder (not just slightly) / far too much force, or hitting it a lot in the wrong position (not just once). In all cases the jockey gets banned. Anything more minor gets a lesser ban, without the horse being disqualified. In all cases the jockey's share of winnings is witheld. May be then they'll think twice! How would you change the existing whip rules?

I agree with what you say Ginge, they have got "hands & heels" races cropping up everywhere, and there isnt much in the way of trouble but I do wonder how your Dettori's etc would ride a race if they couldnt use a whip?