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.

From 100 metre mark to the finish: The whip may be used in a forehand manner at the rider's discretion.  That means, provided a horse is in contention and responding, a rider can use the whip in a forehand manner as they think appropriate; meaning every stride if they wish from the 100 metre mark to the finish.

It should be understand that "in contention" means a horse is a realistic chance of finishing in the first 4 placings.

All Australian racetracks will have a clearly defined different coloured running rail from the 100 metre mark to the finish to assist riders identifying the 100 metre mark.

Backhand use of the whip

There are no restrictions on the number of times a rider can use the whip in a backhand manner throughout the race if the horse is responding.  This means a rider can use it in consecutive strides in a backhand manner during the race, if the horse is responding.

Other points

The Stewards may penalise any rider who in a race or trial uses their whip:

• using an action that raises their arm above shoulder height; or
• when their horse is out of contention; or
• when their horse is showing no response; or
• when their horse is clearly winning; or
• has no reasonable prospect of improving or losing its position

The message the Australian Racing Board asks every rider to take on board is that "less is best" when it comes to use of the whip in Australian Racing.