Stricter whip punishments on the cards if jockeys break rules at Cheltenham

Whip transgressions by riders during the Cheltenham Festival could lead to stricter measures being imposed before the Grand National meeting, as the BHA seeks to ensure jockeys abide by the rules during big races.

Use of the whip during the four-day festival will be under increased scrutiny both from within racing and from the outside, amid concerns over public perception of the stick and animal welfare within the sport.

Last year, a number of riders were suspended for their use of the whip including champion jockey Richard Johnson, who received a seven-day ban and a £6,550 fine for overuse of the whip on winner Native River in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Amateur rider Patrick Mullins picked up significant bans for overuse of the whip on Rathvinden in the National Hunt Chase (six days) and Mall Dini in the Kim Muir Chase (four), while Noel McParlan was suspended for nine days for his ride on Missed Approach in the same contest.

Additionally, Katie Walsh received a six-day ban for using the whip in the incorrect place on Relegate in the Champion Bumper and brother Ruby was hit with a two-day ban for his use of the whip on Benie Des Dieux in the Mares’ Hurdle.

Missed Approach (left) defeats Mall Dini in the Kim Muir last seasonCredit: Getty Images

As part of the effort to keep riders focused on the rules, the BHA will be hosting mandatory daily briefings at this year’s festival to emphasise to jockeys their role in equine welfare – a change brought in as part of the review into the seven horse fatalities at Cheltenham last year.

A BHA spokesman said on Friday: “Jockeys will be reminded of their responsibilities in regards to the whip in the build-up to the Cheltenham Festival and at the new, mandatory daily briefings.

“If it is felt necessary following the festival that temporary measures should be considered to provide a greater level of deterrent to riders, then broader penalty provisions may be put in place ahead of the next major event.”

The BHA’s warning comes in the same week as regulators in Ireland and France announced whip rule changes. The maximum number of strokes in French races has been reduced to five from six, while the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board will bring in new rules limiting the number of strikes for the first time later this year in response to a rising number of whip offences.

The whip’s place in British racing continues to be monitored, according to the BHA spokesman, who added: “The BHA is aware the whip continues to be a topic of debate. We're alive to that debate and listening to it with interest. The sport is developing an industry-wide welfare strategy which will include further consideration of the use of the whip.

“We also note Britain’s approach to the whip was recently endorsed by the UK government, which stated that it was ‘satisfied that the rules in place are sufficient to restrict and limit the use of the whip in horse racing.’”

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