BHA defends use of whip in wake of Labour's animal welfare manifesto

The BHA has issued a measured defence of the sport's use of the whip in response to the Labour party's animal welfare manifesto, stressing it is a safe device that is used effectively and not at the expense of equine welfare.

Should a Labour government come to power it would launch an "independent review of the use of the whip to establish if its use for ‘encouragement’ can be justified", as part of the manifesto which was released in full on Wednesday.

The manifesto does acknowledge the whip also performs the important purpose of keeping horse and jockey safe, but its use as a motivational tool is questioned.

In a detailed statement, the BHA on Wednesday highlighted the safety features of the whip, and how its use in recent years had substantially improved.

BHA key points

• British racing has strict rules on the use and design of the whip. We firmly believe that, with the appropriate design and these strict controls in place, the whip does not compromise the welfare of horses during a race.
• The officials from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) who apply the rules are independent from racing’s participants. The penalties in place can lead to substantial bans or fines for breaches of the rules.
• British racing constantly uses evidence, research and consultation with the industry to evolve and improve its policies and rules, when it is required or appropriate.

The statement read: "The design of the whip is foam-padded and energy absorbing. The thresholds for use are set well below the point at which its use might compromise the welfare of a horse.

"Only one horse has been marked or 'wealed' by use of the whip in each of the last two years, and none the previous year, meaning only two horses have been marked from in excess of 225,000 runners in the last three years."

The statement also drew attention to the formation of a new horse welfare board, which is independently chaired by a former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Barry Johnson, with the brief of developing a new welfare strategy for the industry.

The BHA is also undertaking a research project into the whip, of which one of the strands is analysis of all data compiled since the last review in 2011.

BHA executive director Will Lambe said: "We respect the right of politicians to ask questions of our sport and we can – and do – reassure them of the high standards of welfare in British racing, and the steps we are taking to enhance our welfare record and reputation.

"We have had constructive engagement with Labour’s shadow Defra team to date, and will respond in a measured and united way as a sport way to ensure that the appropriate facts and information are set out confidently and fairly.

"British racing’s high standards of horse welfare have been recognised by successive governments of all parties. We are confident that any external scrutiny of our sport will recognise the dedication and care shown by racing staff, including our jockeys, and the high quality of life experienced by our horses."

Strong defence

Philip Davies, the Conservative MP for Shipley, was forthright in his opinions on the manifesto. A self-confessed 'racing fanatic', Davies has owned horses with Mick Easterby, James Given and Alan Swinbank among others, and also bred Where's Jeff, who has been a multiple winner for Easterby.

Davies said: "This a typical policy generated by an Islington-based party that knows nothing about racing making ill-informed policy decisions.

"Everyone in racing knows the whip doesn't hurt. Nobody loves horses more than owners, trainers jockeys and stable staff. They are much better off educating themselves rather than pontificating and highlighting their ignorance."

Conor McGinn, Labour MP for St Helens North and a supporter of racing in parliament, also questioned whether his party should concentrate on the whip.

He said: "There is much to be welcomed in this manifesto on animal welfare, but it is frustrating and concerning to hear yet another policy that would have a major impact on racing announced by politicians who have had little or no engagement with the sport."

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