The British Horseracing Authority is set to increase penalties for misuse of the whip, as of October, following clear recommendation to do so as part of a five-year strategy for the sport published by the Horse Welfare Board in London on Thursday.
What is the Horse Welfare Board?
The board, abbreviated to HWB, held its first meeting in 2019 with the principal aim of producing a strategy to unite British racing. It is independently chaired by Barry Johnson, formerly president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. An ex-chairman of World Horse Welfare, he is joined on the eight-strong board by a second independent member - Tracey Crouch, MP and former Sports Minister. The HWB reports to racing's members committee, in turn to the BHA board.
Why is the whip such a big deal?
It is considered one of the areas of concern in public perception of horse welfare throughout the racing industry. The BHA has long been aware of the need to address and balance concerns and beliefs - both of those within the sport and the millions who take a serious, casual or even infrequent interest. Various changes in regulations have taken place over many years, and the recommendation in the HWB's strategic plan is an attempt to identify new measures which will work for all.
What are the current regulations and penalties?
Jockeys are permitted to use the whip seven times on the Flat and eight times over jumps in any race. The minimum penalty for transgression is a two-day ban - up to seven for an initial offence if the number of permitted strikes is exceeded by three. Five suspensions of up to six days within a six-month period will bring a separate referral, with the likelihood of a ban of between three weeks and two months. Bans up to six months are available for incremental offences or those with aggravating factors, such as the marking of a horse.
What happens next?
"Ideally", the report cites, October is the deadline for action to agree new whip regulations. The "clear, minimum" recommendation, agreed by the BHA, is that penalties should increase. Further action, even "potential consideration" of a future blanket ban of the whip, is mooted through consultation, but is not a recommendation. The BHA has already resolved to meet the request that changes are in place by October - and is promising "more details in the coming weeks".
Were there any other recommendations in the HWB report?
Yes, four key outcomes for horse welfare were cited in the five-year welfare strategy document entitled 'A life well lived'. Quality of life for a racehorse, lifetime responsibility to them, safety and public trust are paramount - underpinning 20 recommendations. HWB chairman Johnson identified the sport's "significant benefits to well-being", both equine and human, adding: "Our goal is to measure these benefits where we can and communicate this better to a public that is often unfamiliar with horses".
What will trainers and jockeys think about it all?
That consensus has yet to form but will be crucial, of course. The National Trainers Federation has already issued a response which voices support for the strategy. Outlier opinions and reactions are, however, inevitable - as they have been for decades on racing's welfare and governance. The task this year is to consider all viewpoints and act effectively, to agree a fair and practical benchmark for all.
