New Proposal For Dealing With Whip Offences to be Introduced With Immediate Effect

Published: 23 August 2000

Speaking about the decision to introduce a change to the procedure for dealing with whip offences earlier than planned, Christopher Hodgson, Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, said today: “We recognised the lack of support and understanding for the referral rule in major races and, as the Jockeys’ Association will testify, we have been looking at bringing forward a different proposal for some weeks.

“As a result of yesterday’s decision by the York stewards, and in view of the direction of the new proposal, we believe that it would be in the best interests of racing to bring in the proposed change with immediate effect.

“Consistency is paramount and if guidelines and instructions are not adhered to inconsistent decisions will be the result.

“Each and every year the standard of riding from our jockeys improves and the number of occasions when the welfare of the horse is compromised through misuse of the whip decreases. Under the new proposals racecourse stewards will be able to issue suspensions of up to seven days in all races, including Group One races and other major events. However, if the stewards consider that the breach merits a suspension in excess of seven days, the rider will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee.”