Revealed: the winner who would have been disqualified under new whip rules

Thomas Willmott said he had "no real excuse" after it emerged that his use of the whip on To The Limit at Kelso a week ago would have earned the 3-1 winner disqualification under the new rules.

Trainer Stuart Coltherd was equally philosophical and believes jockeys will simply have to adapt to the updated regime when it comes into effect for real over jumps on February 6.

For the first time, the new rules allow for a horse to be disqualified if the rider goes four strikes or more over the permitted limit – six on the Flat and seven over jumps. When the BHA's whip review committee met to consider the first week of the 'bedding-in' period, it decided one unidentified Class 5 winner would have been stood down had they actually been in operation.