New rules will be brought into effect to disqualify horses whose jockeys are found to be in serious breach of whip guidelines in 2023.
The new rules will come into place from 9 January for jump racing, with a full implementation from 27 March across all forms of racing. Jockeys who strike their horses four or more times above the permitted threshold will be disqualified.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced proposals in July and the body has approved the introduction of the revised guidelines and outlined a timeframe for when the rules will be introduced across jump and flat racing:
- Jump racing introduction – 9 January
- Jump racing full implementation – 6 February
- Flat racing introduction – 27 February
- Flat racing full implementation – 27 March
Welcome News
The news of the BHA’s updated guidelines will be welcome news to many and the Chief Regulatory Officer for the body, Brant Dunshea, said in a statement that while the “new rules are going to take some time to get used to” there was “overall support” for the new guidelines.
He said: “We are extremely grateful for the engagement and feedback we have received through the period of technical discussions. The discussions were full and frank, hence the time they have taken to conclude.
“The discussions quickly established that there was overall support for the vast majority of the recommendations. However, as expected there were some areas of concern raised. We have listened to the feedback we received and made adjustments to the initial proposals accordingly.
“We recognise that some of the new rules are going to take some time to get used to for some jockeys, which is why we have factored in time for communication and education as well as a bedding-in period before the rules and penalties are implemented in full.”
David Jones, BHA Board member and Chair of the Whip Consultation Steering Group, said: “While the initial proposals were made following an extensive consultation process, it was important that further, detailed discussions take place with those most affected by the proposals.
“I am pleased, therefore, that sensible adjustments have been made where necessary, while the overall package of measures has been approved and will now go forward to implementation.
“This whole process, from start to finish, has always been about listening to the views of all our audiences and making decisions which best preserve the perception of our sport and the welfare of our horses, while also recognising the role that the padded whip plays in safe and fair race riding.”