It is simply ridiculous to suggest the whip should be banned

With reference to the coverage in the Racing Post this week about whips and conditions for apprentices, first it is ridiculous even to suggest the whip should be banned.

As an artificial aid, it is the main asset in maintaining a jockey’s safety. Imagine what carnage there would be if they did not have a whip to guide and straighten a young horse – there would certainly be more horses clipping heels and more bad falls.

Also, I doubt very much punters would be too keen on the idea of jockeys riding without whips in a multi-million-pound industry. Nobody wants to see horses beaten up, but I can assure you a smack on the bottom of half a ton of horseflesh in the heat of a race with a felt-covered stick is in no way going to cause discomfort.