Whip Controversy
August 26th 2009 05:25
The introduction of the new whip regulations continue to create a storm of protest, unrest, and disbelief, within the ranks of jockeys past and present. Those now retired are thankful that it is not something with which they had to contend - and the current jockeys are seething with anger at the prospect of fulfilling their obligation to win, being fined the wages of a days work, and then being further financially penalised by suspension.
(photo: NEIL MURRAY)
The combination of two separate obligations for jockeys -
1/ the introduction of padded whips
2/ rules affecting the amount of times (and style) the whip may be used -
creates a recipe for dispute and dissent.
Prominent owner/breeder John Singleton when interviewed on Radio 927 Melbourne today said that he would most certainly tell any jockey he uses to ride aggressively (normally) to the line to win - and subsequently reward the jockey with payment to cover (exceed) the fine. The connections of Silver Shadow winner Deer Valley have now vowed to compensate apprentice Daniel Ganderton the more than $4,000 that he has been fined by being denied his riding fee and winning percentage last Saturday.
Deer Valley is now a stakeswinner and more valuable as a result.
Some jockeys may be reluctant to face fine and suspension and subsequently lose a race through lack of vigour. And the punters will soon be in revolt also if they feel denied a win through a lack of usual and expected endeavour.
The consensus is that the new padded whips inflict no pain on a horse. So much so that many jockeys consider the new whip a danger to their lives as it acts as no deterrent to a wayward horse.
So - if the whips are really just there now as noise and suggestion (to run faster) - why the need to count slaps with a whip? Similar to the knee-jerk reaction to jumping races (that has led to more dangerous obstacles) the racing authorities are set to appease a noisy and small interest group that have no understanding of racing. Political correctness gone mad.
The NSW jockeys have a meeting set for September with authorities to discuss the rules - but as a result of recent fines they are seeking an earlier meeting.
And they have a compromise situation they wish to suggest:
that is, to keep all current whip regulations with regards to times a horse may be hit - but with one major exception. And that is to allow all jockeys - with horses still in contention - to use the whip as often as required in the final 100 metres and drive to the line. Of course penalties will apply to jockeys using the whip ‘excessively’ if their horse is not in contention.
The jockeys want this.
The owners and trainers want this.
The punters want this.
So what is the problem?
Jockeys at Caulfield driving to the line on the first day of the introduction of the new whip rules
(photo: NEIL MURRAY)
The combination of two separate obligations for jockeys -
1/ the introduction of padded whips
2/ rules affecting the amount of times (and style) the whip may be used -
creates a recipe for dispute and dissent.
Prominent owner/breeder John Singleton when interviewed on Radio 927 Melbourne today said that he would most certainly tell any jockey he uses to ride aggressively (normally) to the line to win - and subsequently reward the jockey with payment to cover (exceed) the fine. The connections of Silver Shadow winner Deer Valley have now vowed to compensate apprentice Daniel Ganderton the more than $4,000 that he has been fined by being denied his riding fee and winning percentage last Saturday.
Deer Valley is now a stakeswinner and more valuable as a result.
Some jockeys may be reluctant to face fine and suspension and subsequently lose a race through lack of vigour. And the punters will soon be in revolt also if they feel denied a win through a lack of usual and expected endeavour.
The consensus is that the new padded whips inflict no pain on a horse. So much so that many jockeys consider the new whip a danger to their lives as it acts as no deterrent to a wayward horse.
So - if the whips are really just there now as noise and suggestion (to run faster) - why the need to count slaps with a whip? Similar to the knee-jerk reaction to jumping races (that has led to more dangerous obstacles) the racing authorities are set to appease a noisy and small interest group that have no understanding of racing. Political correctness gone mad.
The NSW jockeys have a meeting set for September with authorities to discuss the rules - but as a result of recent fines they are seeking an earlier meeting.
And they have a compromise situation they wish to suggest:
that is, to keep all current whip regulations with regards to times a horse may be hit - but with one major exception. And that is to allow all jockeys - with horses still in contention - to use the whip as often as required in the final 100 metres and drive to the line. Of course penalties will apply to jockeys using the whip ‘excessively’ if their horse is not in contention.
The jockeys want this.
The owners and trainers want this.
The punters want this.
So what is the problem?
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