Australian Jockeys' Association

These are the new guidelines for using the whip as of 26th September, 2009.  Please note that the formatting and layout has been significantly changed from the original ARB document (see attached file) in order to make it more easily understood.

Forehand use of the whip

Leading up to the 100 metre mark: The whip may be used in a forehand manner in non-consecutive strides only (meaning a rider cannot use it every stride) and not more than 5 times before the 100 metre mark.

The current rules governing the use of the whip are putting the safety of the country’s jockeys at risk, the Australian Jockeys’ Association said today.

In response to the Rider Whip Penalty Template proposed by stewards to address breaches of AR137A, and after extensive consultation with Australian riders through its state branches, the AJA submits the following:

Australian Racing Board and Australian Jockeys Association reach agreement.

The Australian Jockeys Association and the Australian Racing Board are pleased to jointly announce agreement on a response to the AJA’s “Racing for our Lives” proposal.

Jockeys today welcomed the Australian Racing Board’s commitment to introduce funding to safeguard the country’s jockeys.

The ARB gave its commitment to the introduction of a scheme to protect riders at a meeting in Sydney today following months of campaigning by the country’s jockeys.

The article titled "Fuelling Fitness For Your Sport - Jockeys" appeared in 'Sports Dieticians', Australia 2004. It was forwarded by ARB Medical Officer, Dr Caron Jander and is made freely available to all AJA members.

Jockeys are required to have strength, cardiovascular fitness and specific handling skills because of the strenuous nature of their profession. They are required to spend numerous hours honing their skills and preparing horses for racing, with their days typically starting around 4am up to seven days per week. 

 Ray Silburn talks about the National Jockeys Trust.