What are the whip rules in other countries?

Australia

Riders are restricted to five strikes before reaching the 100-metre mark, but after this point the whip can be used without restriction, often resulting in jockeys 'windmilling' in the closing stages.

France and Germany

Jockeys are limited to no more than five strikes during the entire race.

Japan

Takes a discretionary approach. Use of the whip must not be improper, excessive, unnecessary or inappropriate.

Hong Kong

Another nation that does not stipulate a set number of strikes. The rules state: "Any rider who misuses the whip or uses the whip in an improper manner will be subject to disciplinary action."

Ireland

Riders are limited to eight strikes, with the ninth triggering an automatic stewards' inquiry.

Norway

Effectively banned the whip in 1982. The rules state: "Use of the whip will only be tolerated when a dangerous situation occurs, situations that can be of danger to the jockey's own mount or to competitors, or if the horse is obviously hanging badly, or is trying to duck out."

Singapore

Another jurisdiction that does not limit the number of hits. The rules state: "No person in a race . . . . shall use a whip in an excessive, unnecessary or improper manner."

South Africa

Does restrict the number of times a jockey can strike a horse to 12, but that is higher than most other jurisdictions that take such an approach.

Sweden

Since April use of the whip for encouragement has been outlawed. Officials stated that "whip use in horseracing simply does not belong in 2022".

USA

In the US the rules are far from united, varying from state to state. In New Jersey they do not permit the use of the whip for encouragement and in California riders are restricted to six strikes in a race, but the majority of states have no set limit.

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The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday