RSPCA STUDY

The Australian Racing Board Chief Executive, Andrew Harding, comments on the RSPCA funded study on the effect of padded whips on the performance of horses.

The study has been carried out by Professor David Evans, and Associate Professor Paul McGreevy from the University of Sydney.

The approach taken by the researchers was to use race footage, sectional times and placings to carry out a statistical analysis of the effect of whip use on performance. The study was made possible by the cooperation of the racing industry. This cooperation included providing access to footage and technical assistance from the Stewards to the researchers.

“Once we have been provided with a copy of the study then the Australian Racing Board and its expert advisers will consider its contents.” Andrew Harding, Chief Executive, Australian Racing Board.

“We cooperated with the study because we gave a good working relationship with the RSPCA and we are committed to doing everything possible to protect the welfare of racehorses. This said we have never made a secret of the fact that we doubt the scientific worth of applying logistic regression to draw conclusions about the extent of the effect on performance of the use of a padded whip. There are literally myriad variables in every race that will have an effect on the outcome.” Andrew Harding

The ARB believes that the extensive reforms it has made to the use of the whip are appropriate and working as they were intended.

End Media Release.

For further inquires:

Mr Andrew Harding

Chief Executive Officer

Australian Racing Board Limited

Phone: 02 9551 7700

Mobile: 0417 043 233

Editor’s Notes:

• September 2008

National Chairmen of Stewards Advisory Group meeting in Darwin initiates discussion paper “Whip Use in Australian Thoroughbred Racing”

• October 2008

NCOSAG endorses discussion paper prepared by RWWA and QRL officials and refers it to Australian Racing Board.

• October – December 2008

Individual Principal Racing Authority consideration of discussion paper.

• 12 December 2008

Australian Racing Board determines that fundamental changes are required to controls on whip use.

• December 2008- March 2009

Public consultation, including:

– Publication by ARB of detailed list of draft proposed changes (16/12/08)

– Submissions to the ARB

– Local industry consultation by PRAs

– Round table meeting ARB CEO, NCOSAG Chairman and AJA

• 19 March 2009

Australian Racing Board meeting considers submissions from: RSPCA, Animals Australia, Animal Liberation, Equine Veterinarians Australia, Australian Jockeys Association, Australian Trainers Association, Australian Racehorse Owners Council, and members of the public. Decides on changes to controls on whip changes and amends Australian Rules of Racing.

• March 2009

Education and adjustment phase commences consisting of:

– Production of national DVD detailing permitted and non permitted uses of the whip

– Seminars with jockeys, held throughout Australia (attendance made compulsory in some States and Territories)

• June 2009

Australian Racing Board receives progress report. Following decisions made:

i. Not to grant a moratorium on penalties

ii. To amend the Australian Rules of Racing to put it beyond doubt that breaches of the whip rules are not grounds for a protest

iii. To endorse penalty guidelines with clear proviso that Stewards to exercise discretion in every case.

• 1 August 2009

New whip rules come into effect