Gordon Elliott has added his voice to the list of trainers who have concerns over the introduction of the new whip rules, insisting the consequences ahead of jump racing’s two major festivals could be “frightening”.
New regulations are set to come into force on February 13 which include reducing how many times the whip can be used and a toughening up of the penalty structure.
The very worst whip offences could result in disqualification of horses and riding bans of 20 days – a tariff which will be doubled in class one and two races – with a soft launch having been in place since January 9.
Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins have both called for the British Horseracing Authority to push back the start date for the implementation, along with a number of senior riders on both sides of the Irish Sea, who have also aired their misgivings.
Mighty Potter lives up to his name in the @Ladbrokes Novice Chase 💪
Elliott said: “It’s frightening. To think it’s coming in only a couple of weeks before a massive festival, it’s frightening.
“Listening to Sean Bowen and a few of the lads in England, they’re kind of having to change their style of riding altogether. I don’t think it’s good, especially heading into Cheltenham.
“Someone was saying Davy Russell would have broken a rule riding Mighty Potter the other day and I’m not sure if he hit him more than two or three (times), but it was because his hand rose a certain height.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Davy Russell could have faced a ban for his ride on Mighty Potter (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA)
He went on: “Obviously the jockeys are all going to have to do a lot of work on it, but it’s not really healthy going into Cheltenham.
“We could be short of riders for the Grand National! It’s frightening if you think four or five jockeys got suspended.”
There were 44 referrals to the whip review committee – which will be responsible for handing out suspensions under the new system – during the first week of the ‘bedding-in’ period but in subsequent weeks numbers have not been published.
The BHA announced last week that it would review “the manner in which the rules and guidance are being applied” both by raceday stewards and the committee but there are no plans to alter any specific rules or guidance.
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Willie Mullins believes the full introduction of new whip rules should be delayed until the end of the current British jumps season.
New regulations are set to come into force on February 13, with the British Horseracing Authority continuing to allow the use of the whip in the forehand position, having reversed a previous decision to ban it after objections from jockeys, although permitted use of the whip has been reduced whilst also toughening up the penalty structure.
The very worst whip offences could result in disqualification of horses and riding bans of 20 days – a tariff which will be doubled in class one and two races – with a soft launch having been in place since January 9.
A number of riders have voiced their misgivings about fully implementing the rules next week, with British champion trainer Paul Nicholls calling for the BHA to push back the start date until the current campaign has concluded.
Willie Mullins believes delaying the introduction of new whip rules would make sense (Lorraine O’Sullivan/PA
While Mullins described the regulations as “jockeys’ business”, he feels it would be better to wait until the new season to make such significant changes, ruling out the possibility of high-profile winners at either Cheltenham or Aintree being overshadowed or impacted by whip contraventions.
He said: “I don’t do whip rules, that’s jockeys’ business. If they lose races then it’ll be my business then, but I’m absolutely keeping out of whip rules.
“Why do they always bring up this before Cheltenham? It should be done after Cheltenham during the off-season. It’s like bringing in new rules before the semi-finals and final of the World Cup in soccer.
“It’s a shooting yourself in the foot job. They’re highlighting the whole thing for the wrong reasons and it should be done before a new season like in any other sport, trial it somewhere if you want.
“I wouldn’t even bother reading about it now. That’s my jockeys’ problem.”
The first week of the ‘bedding in’ period produced 44 referrals to the whip review committee, which will be responsible for handing out suspensions under the new system, while numbers for subsequent weeks have not been published.
The BHA announced last week that while it was not considering altering specific rules or guidance, it would review “the manner in which the rules and guidance are being applied” both by raceday stewards and the committee.
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The British Horseracing Authority is examining how the guidance around the new whip rules is being applied following further outcry over the imminent changes to the regulations.
Champion trainer Paul Nicholls urged the BHA to consider delaying implementation of the new rules – which are due to take full effect on February 13 in the National Hunt sphere – after it was suggested his stable jockey Harry Cobden could have been banned for 24 days for his winning ride on Il Ridoto at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Fellow jumps rider Sean Quinlan also hit out at the revised regulations on Sunday, calling for further discussion around the directive concerning the whip being used above shoulder height.
The BHA had initially proposed to prohibit the use of the whip in the forehand position – but reversed that decision following discussions after objections from jockeys, instead opting to cut permitted use of the whip to six and seven strikes in Flat and jump races respectively, whilst also toughening up the penalty structure.
Whip rules are due to come into force on February 13 over jumps (David Davies/PA)
Using the whip above shoulder height will incur a four-day ban when the rules are properly introduced, with a soft launch currently in place and riders advised of what would constitute future breaches and what penalty they would have been given.
The ‘bedding-in period’ began on January 9, with the first week producing 44 referrals to the whip review committee, which will be responsible for handing out suspensions under the new system, while numbers for subsequent weeks have not been published.
Although underlining it is not considering altering specific rules or guidance, “the manner in which the rules and guidance are being applied” both by raceday stewards and the committee is being reviewed by the BHA.
A spokesperson said: “The purpose of the bedding-in period is to identify any practical considerations regarding the new rules and guidance, allow officials to familiarise themselves with the rules and guidance, and jockeys to identify areas where they may be required to adapt their technique ahead of implementation.
“As part of this process we are currently assessing some elements of the existing procedures, which includes the manner in which the rules and guidance are being applied on raceday, and by the whip review committee.
“We are not looking at changes to the specific rules or guidance, but instead how the guidance is being applied. We continue to urge riders to use the bedding-in period to make any necessary adjustments to their riding style in line with the guidance.”
The new rules will be fully implemented on the Flat from March 27, with a soft launch from February 27.
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Multiple champion trainer Paul Nicholls has called for the introduction of the new whip rules to be delayed until after the major spring festivals.
Nicholls took to social media to condemn the proposed new regulations after it was suggested his stable jockey Harry Cobden would have picked up a 24-day ban for his winning ride on Il Ridoto at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The same was also said of Sean Bowen, currently second in the jockeys’ championship behind Brian Hughes, for his successful ride on Back On The Lash in the Cross Country Chase.
The new rules are due to come into force on February 13. Jockeys are currently riding within a ‘bedding-in’ period where the current regulations apply for sanctions purposes, but riders are being advised if they would have breached the new rules.
Nicholls tweeted: “Two fantastic top rides. How they can get bans is beyond me. Cobden excelled on Il Ridoto. This all needs postponing until after the spring festivals otherwise this is all going to be a disaster for the sport. For once common sense needs to prevail.”
Cobden confirmed on Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast that he had fallen foul of the new rule concerning using the whip over shoulder height.
He said: “I went into the stewards’ room and they froze the images of the replay where they thought my hand was over shoulder height on three of the hits.
“You could clearly see that I was in breach of the rule, my hand was ever so slightly over and I was told that I would get eight days for each hit. Because it was a class one race that it was why it was eight days rather than four, so I would have come out of the race with a 24-day ban.”
Il Ridoto and Harry Cobden (right) on their way to victory on Saturday (David Davies/PA)
He went on: “I’ve always ridden like this, I’ve never been called in for over shoulder height before. Before Saturday I hadn’t ridden for 12 days, so had missed a lot of the bedding-in period.
“It’s difficult, we’re all trying but I think that rule definitely needs to be tweaked.
“We’re happy with the penalty structure, the numbers we are fine with, the only rule we have an issue with, and the one that keeps popping up, is the over shoulder height, so I think we need to change the wording or do something about it.
“I don’t think lessening the penalties will work as jockeys will still get banned. Somehow we need to change the wording of that rule. If it looks forceful then fair enough, but if you are riding a horse like I rode Il Ridoto, nobody sees anything wrong with that and I think it’s unfair to get 24 days for one ride.
“If your arm is straight up then that is not right, but if your hand is a couple of inches above and it doesn’t look out of place, I don’t think it should be a problem.”
The BHA is aware of information being posted on social media speculating about potential "suspensions" under the new whip rules.
Please note this information is not accurate as the Whip Review Committee have not yet met this week to consider the rides in the period 16 – 29 Jan
— British Horseracing Authority (@BHAHorseracing) January 31, 2023
The British Horseracing Authority, however, underlined the stewards are not responsible for the length of the bans as that will fall under the remit of the Whip Review Committee that will regularly meet on Tuesdays.
On its Twitter account, the said: “The BHA is aware of information being posted on social media speculating about potential ‘suspensions’ under the new whip rules. Please note this information is not accurate as the Whip Review Committee have not yet met this week to consider the rides in the period 16 – 29 Jan.
“Also, a reminder that no suspensions are being imposed at present. The purpose of the bedding-in period is to provide riders with information as to where adaptations to riding style might be needed ahead of full implementation of the rules on 13 Feb.”
A previously scheduled meeting will take place in the coming days between the BHA, Professional Jockeys Association and trainers and jockeys as part of the ongoing discussion surrounding the new rules, but not on the back of the fallout of last weekend’s racing.
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Ryan Moore has welcomed the British Horseracing Authority’s decision to allow jockeys to continue using the whip in the forehand position under new riding rules.
The BHA announced a series of alterations to the regulations in the summer, with jockeys only allowed to use the whip in the backhand position and serious breaches to result in disqualification from races and possible 28-day bans for riders in major races.
However, further revisions were made to those plans after a number of riders registered their disquiet, with the implementation of the backhand-only rule proving a particularly unpopular prospect.
The BHA reversed its decision on banning the forehand position on Wednesday, but overall permitted use of the whip in races will be reduced and penalties will be made much stiffer, with 40-day suspensions a possibility for the worst offences in class one and two races.
Ryan Moore supports the new regulations (Niall Carson/PA)
Three-times Flat champion Moore is pleased to see the BHA and riders agree on a revised outcome.
In a statement issued by the Professional Jockeys Association, he said: “We thank the many well-intentioned individuals who have spent time on this issue. Horseracing must be competitive, have integrity and aim for the highest possible standards from all participants.
“I welcome the fact that the backhand-only rule has been discarded and that the BHA will continue to discuss and work with us in the future and hope that British racing and other jurisdictions will work together to find long-term solutions.”
Tom Scudamore was part of the consultation steering group (Mike Egerton/PA)
National Hunt jockey Tom Scudamore was part of the Whip Consultation Steering Group which drew up the new rules.
He added: “After the recent issues raised and consultations with the BHA board, through the PJA, I welcome the changes made.
“I hope that we can continue dialogue between both PJA and BHA to monitor the situation in order to maintain the highest standards that is expected every day in British racing.”
Fellow jockey Tom Cannon believes the new regulations should be “fairly black and white now”.
Tom Cannon feels the new rules are clear (Simon Marper/PA)
Flat riders will be allowed to strike their mounts six times in a race, with jump jockeys allowed seven uses of the whip – a compromise which Cannon feels is satisfactory when combined with tougher penalties.
He said: “They were pushing for us to use the backhand and it is what it is now. The forehand position looks better, it looks better to ride with, better for the horses, so hopefully common sense has prevailed. So, hopefully we can just get on with it now and concentrate on the racing.
“I was involved later on (with discussions) but not to begin with, like a lot of us were. A lot of us were not in the initial discussions, but it got a lot more serious and as time went on and we realised that they were coming in and a lot of us got involved.
“I think common sense has prevailed and while there will be a few bans dotted about, that is going to be the case whatever. We just have to concentrate on the racing now, which won’t be affected.
“We said that using it in the backhand position was not great for the horses, as a lot of jockeys can’t use it properly in that position and you are hitting them down the ribs a lot. That opens up a can of worms in itself.
“Losing one hit and getting stronger penalties takes the grey area out of it and it is fairly black and white now. Hopefully, it is something everyone can abide by and it is definitely an improvement on what they suggested first time around.”
Charlie Deutsch reported the “majority” of riders to be happy with the changes and believes it should benefit their equine partners too.
Charlie Deutsch is satisfied with the BHA’s decision (Tim Goode./PA)
He said: “I think it is a better way forward – just the technique is better, basically. And that makes it easier for jockeys to land the whip in the right place.
“With the backhand, you are more likely to get their ribs, instead of their rump. You want to be going for the fleshy backend, which is very important.
“It would have been a big old problem for a few years (if the proposed rules had not been changed), so all credit to the BHA for changing their minds so quickly, so we can get it done, move on and get some good publicity.
“If they have to do something, then they have to be harsh with the way it is going. The majority of the weighing room are happy. I just spoke to the lads towards the latter stages, but left it to the senior jockeys.”
Sean Bowen incurred a ban on Noble Yeats at Aintree last month (Nigel French/PA)
Sean Bowen incurred a four-day ban for his winning ride aboard Noble Yeats in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree last month, when the stewards found he had hit his mount in the wrong place as he practiced his backhand whip use in the finish.
He said: “It is massive for me more than a lot of people, because I have always had a backhand issue, trying to get it all the way back you do find sometimes you are hitting the horse in the wrong place in the backhand, I’ve been trying to adapt myself – then the new rules came out last night. I got myself a ban for no reason whatsoever.
“Hitting them in the forehand is the correct way and the penalties go up at the same time, which is also correct.”
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Tom Cannon believes whip rules should be “fairly black and white now” after the British Horseracing Authority revised the proposed changes to the current regulations.
The BHA announced a series of alterations to the rules in the summer, with jockeys only allowed to use the whip in the backhand position and serious breaches of the regulations to result in disqualification from races and possible 28-day bans for riders in major races.
However, further revisions were made to those plans after a number of riders registered their disquiet, with the implementation of the backhand-only position proving a particularly unpopular prospect.
The BHA announced on Wednesday that the forehand position would be allowed, but overall permitted use of the whip in races would be reduced while penalties will be made much stiffer, with 40-day bans a possibility for the worst offences in class one and two races.
Tom Cannon was pleased with the changes (Simon Marper/PA)
Flat riders will be allowed to strike their mounts six times in a race, with jump jockeys allowed seven uses of the whip – a compromise which Cannon feels is satisfactory when combined with tougher penalties.
He said: “They were pushing for us to use the backhand and it is what it is now. The forehand position looks better, it looks better to ride with, better for the horses, so hopefully common sense has prevailed. So, hopefully we can just get on with it now and concentrate on the racing.
“I was involved later on (with discussions) but not to begin with, like a lot of us were. A lot of us were not in the initial discussions, but it got a lot more serious and as time went on and we realised that they were coming in and a lot of us got involved.
“I think common sense has prevailed and while there will be a few bans dotted about, that is going to be the case whatever. We just have to concentrate on the racing now, which won’t be affected.
“We said that using it in the backhand position was not great for the horses, as a lot of jockeys can’t use it properly in that position and you are hitting them down the ribs a lot. That opens up a can of worms in itself.
“Losing one hit and getting stronger penalties takes the grey area out of it and it is fairly black and white now. Hopefully, it is something everyone can abide by and it is definitely an improvement on what they suggested first time around.”
Charlie Deutsch reported the “majority” of riders to be happy with the changes and believes it should benefit their equine partners too.
Charlie Deutsch is satisfied with the BHA’s decision (Tim Goode./PA)
He said: “I think it is a better way forward – just the technique is better, basically. And that makes it easier for jockeys to land the whip in the right place.
“With the backhand, you are more likely to get their ribs, instead of their rump. You want to be going for the fleshy backend, which is very important.
“It would have been a big old problem for a few years (if the proposed rules had not been changed), so all credit to the BHA for changing their minds so quickly, so we can get it done, move on and get some good publicity.
“If they have to do something, then they have to be harsh with the way it is going. The majority of the weighing room are happy. I just spoke to the lads towards the latter stages, but left it to the senior jockeys.”
Sean Bowen incurred a ban on Noble Yeats at Aintree last month (Nigel French/PA)
Sean Bowen incurred a four-day ban for his winning ride aboard Noble Yeats in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree last month, when the stewards found he had hit his mount in the wrong place as he practiced his backhand whip use in the finish.
He said: “It is massive for me more than a lot of people, because I have always had a backhand issue, trying to get it all the way back you do find sometimes you are hitting the horse in the wrong place in the backhand, I’ve been trying to adapt myself – then the new rules came out last night. I got myself a ban for no reason whatsoever.
“Hitting them in the forehand is the correct way and the penalties go up at the same time, which is also correct.”
Bowen welcomed the BHA’s stronger penalty structure, with a minimum ban of four days for exceeding the permitted limit once, rising to 20 days and disqualification for five hits in standard races – a ban that will be doubled for the major contests.
Sean Bowen thinks he will benefit from the BHA’s change in position (Mike Egerton/PA)
He added: “It needs to happen. There were too many jockeys trying to use their backhand, using it above shoulder height and hitting them in the wrong place and it wasn’t going to work. The penalties have gone up and (that) needed to be done and it will stop anyone ever thinking one more will do.
“The boys are delighted. I’ve picked up two or three bans in the last month, trying to use my backhand and trying to get used to it. I’ve done it all for no reason, but the correct decision has been made.
“I think the stewards and also us, when we were trying to do it, we thought at the time it might not be great. But when were were really trying, it wasn’t working whatsoever and everyone realised it was going to be a disaster, especially before Cheltenham and it was going to ruin our sport.”
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Jockeys will still be allowed to use the whip in the forehand position under revised changes to riding rules – but the number of times a rider may strike his mount will be further reduced from February.
The British Horseracing Authority set out a raft of alterations to the rules in the summer, with jockeys only allowed to use the whip in the backhand position and serious breaches of the regulations to result in disqualification from races and possible 28-day bans for riders in major races.
However, a number of riders registered their disquiet over the proposed changes last month, particularly the implementation of the backhand-only position, with the BHA announcing further consultation to “explore options that address the concerns being raised”.
Further revisions have been made to the whip rules (Owen Humphreys/PA)
That further discussion has led to another set of revisions, with the backhand-only edict rescinded, although that change has resulted in a reduction to permitted strikes in a race.
Flat jockeys had been allowed to use their whip a maximum of seven times, with jump jockeys allowed eight instances. Both numbers have been reduced by one under the new regulations.
Under the initial set of a revisions, a jump jockey who used their whip 12 or more times – with 11 strikes or more for Flat jockeys – in any race could be disqualified, with those numbers also reduced to 11 and 10 respectively.
Following further consultation it was felt that jockeys who had suffered from shoulder or collarbone injuries may find use of the whip solely in the backhand position more challenging.
Riders will be penalised more heavily under the revised whip rules (Zac Goodwin/PA)
The removal of “discretion” by the stewards has also been announced, meaning every use of the whip shall count towards the threshold unless clearly used for safety purposes.
Penalties for going above the new thresholds will also be further increased from those announced previously.
The implementation of the new rules remains January 9 for a four-week bedding-in period. The new rules will come into full force for jump jockeys on February 6.
Flat counterparts begin with a bedding-in period on February 27, with full implementation from March 27.
David Jones, regulatory independent non-executive director for the BHA, and chair of the Whip Consultation Steering Group, said: “An extremely thorough consultation was carried out over the course of 2021 and 2022, followed by an extensive technical discussion phase after the publication of the recommendations in July this year.
“Efforts were taken to listen to the views of jockeys from both codes, over many hours. This consultation has arguably been the most thorough undertaken by the BHA in relation to any specific regulatory reform in the past.
“In order to ensure that this process was suitably rigorous we pushed back the planned autumn implementation date for new rules.
“However, we are committed to listening to our participants, and when further views and information come to light very late in the day, and following the conclusion of that process, we were duty bound to consider it, and make representations to the BHA board accordingly.”
The bedding-in period for jump jockeys begins on Monday (David Davies/PA)
The BHA board insists the changes do not “reflect a dilution of the package of rule changes” in their view, but is “a method of achieving the same outcomes through a different approach”.
BHA chair Joe Saumarez Smith said: “The BHA board had previously endorsed the clear set of objectives set out by the Whip Consultation Steering Group in the summer. They included that the perception of whip use must be improved by ensuring that its use is more judicious and better controlled.
“It became clear through the views raised in the last few weeks, and which were presented to the BHA board, that the backhand-only rule could potentially have caused difficulties for some riders. However, in considering making changes it was essential that the BHA board were not doing anything to dilute the outcome of the whip report.
“The BHA board has therefore agreed these further changes, which resolve the issues with the backhand-only rule, but retain the objective of making whip use visibly more palatable to the public, therefore helping to safeguard engagement with the sport amongst our fans present and future.
“We now hope and expect to see these new rules being respected and a visible change in whip use to be brought about amongst our jockeys, and those riding over here.
“The board also expressed the view that the sport should try to avoid any situation arising again whereby, following the conclusion of an extensive consultation process, further pertinent information comes to light. This point has been strongly emphasised to the PJA and we are pleased that the PJA has agreed to review its consultation processes in the light of this.”
Ian McMahon, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said: “The jockeys are keen to work with the authorities in implementing high standards for correct use of the whip.
“We also take on board the comments of the BHA board and will be looking to constantly review our processes, which will include making sure that the Jockey Advisory Groups (JAGS) or nominated working groups are actively involved in future consultations.”
Under the revised penalties, should any jockey now use their whip four times above the permitted level, they will be banned for 14 days (up from 10) and be disqualified, with five strikes above leading to disqualification and a 20-day ban (up from 14).
One strike above the permitted level will now be a four-day ban, as opposed to the three which was announced in November. Two above is seven days instead of five, with three above 10 days instead of seven.
All penalties in class one and two races will be doubled, meaning a 40-day ban is possible for those using their whip five times above the permitted number in those races.
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