Australian Jockeys' Association

CEO of the Australian Jockeys’ Association Paul Innes today called on the Australian Racing Board to conduct an urgent review into the new rules which limit the number of times a jockey can use the whip in the final stages of a race.

 

“In the dying stages of a race jockeys need to be concentrating entirely on their personal safety and the safety of their fellow jockeys, not worrying about calculating the number of times they’ve moved their whip,” Mr Innes said.

 

“Racing is a very dangerous sport; one slip in concentration could be fatal. These new rules are a serious health and safety issue for jockeys.

 

Mr Innes said the onerous rules are neither necessary nor appropriate given the recent introduction of padded whips.

 

“The introduction of the padded whip was a fantastic initiative from the Australia Racing Board which successfully dealt with the animal welfare issues arising from whip use. The padded whips which are currently used have been scientifically proven not to cause the horse any harm or distress at all.

 

“Whips are an essential tool of the trade, not just for increasing speed, but for safety reasons as well – they encourage the horses to keep their mind on the job.

 

“The fact is that nobody cares more about the welfare of the horses than the jockeys themselves, but they also care about their own safety and the safety of their fellow riders.

 

Chairman of the AJA Ross Inglis said the Association does not endorse flouting of the whip rules.

 

“The AJA does not endorse flouting of the rules, but in their present form significant controversy looms on the horizon for racing in this country,” Mr Inglis said.

 

“We have received communication from the Australian Trainers Association, the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and representatives of the owners groups in support of modification to the rules in order to avert a strong and united backlash from all industry participants”.

 

The Australian Jockeys’ Association said it is seeking legal opinion on the health and safety issues arising from the current whip rules.