Racing Victoria pushes for whip reform as chief says sport should target a ban

The chief executive of Racing Victoria on Monday suggested that the state should work towards ultimately banning the whip other than for safety reasons as the racing authority pushes for reform in Australia that will bring the sport into line with other jurisdictions.

The move comes in response to calls from key industry figures, including six-time Melbourne Cup winning owner Lloyd Williams, for the whip to be banned.

Giles Thompson, chief executive of Racing Victoria, believes the whip rules, as they are currently constituted, are becoming incompatible with modern expectations and changes are needed to safeguard the "long-term interests" of the sport.

"As industry leaders, we are charged with not only managing the sport today but ensuring that it remains vibrant and successful for generations to come," he said.

"Making progress on whip reform is important if we want to retain our existing audiences and ensure that we’re an attractive option for the fans and employees of tomorrow.

"It is Racing Victoria's view that progress on whip reform is needed now and that the industry nationally, acting in its best long-term interests, should continue to work towards a prohibition on the use of the whip."

Lloyd Williams (left): calling for whip to be bannedCredit: Paul Rovere

The whip rule currently set by Racing Australia allows jockeys to whip their horse a maximum of five times before the 100 metre (half a furlong) mark, and on unlimited occasions thereafter.

Racing Victoria wants nationwide changes within months and at the Racing Australia board meeting in November will propose jockeys are allowed to use their whip between five and eight times each race from January 2021.

This would bring the rules in Australia in line with those in Britain, where the whip can be used a maximum of seven times in a Flat race or eight times in a jumps race.

Thompson said: "Britain, Ireland, France, Germany and key states in the US have either implemented or announced significant reductions in permitted whip use and have seen great competitive racing continue. At this time Australian racing has been left behind when it comes to reforms on whip use."

He added: "The industry will always be best served by a national approach to whip reform and this is something that we desire, however to this point that has not been achievable.

"We believe that prompt progress on whip reform is in the best interests of Australian racing and we are encouraging the Racing Australia Board and other states to join us in making meaningful steps this year."

While steadfast in believing whip rule changes are a vital component of Australian racing's future, Thompson did highlight the important and ongoing role the whip plays in ensuring jockey safety.

"It is critical that jockeys are permitted to carry a whip to ensure their safety," he added. "Jockey safety is something that we will always advocate.

"But we want to reduce the number of times the whip can be used in Victorian racing, and indeed nationally, from 2021.

"This would be an important step in the right direction for our industry, one that recognises the progression of community attitudes in the decade since padded whips were first introduced."

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