WHIP REFORM STAYS
The Australian Racing Board has today considered the results to date of the sweeping changes to the whip rules that came into effect on 1st August 2009.
In addition to extensive commentary that has taken place both within the industry and the wider community the Board heard at first hand from:
- Leading riders Damien Oliver and Corey Brown
- Paul Innes, CEO Australian Jockeys Association
- Des O’Keeffe, General Manager Australian Jockeys Association
- Colin Alderson, Chairman Australian Trainers Association
- John Alducci, CEO Australian Trainers Association
- The Hon Peter McGauran, CEO Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
- Heather Neil, CEO RSPCA Australia
- Ray Murrihy, Chairman National Stewards Group
The Australian Racing Board Chairman, Mr Bob Bentley said it was clear both from the way in which jockeys had ridden in the 5 weeks since the new rules became effective, and the comments expressed at its meeting today, that the industry had achieved a fundamental change in its attitudes and practices.
“Many so called experts have criticised the changes made by the Australian Racing Board but the fact is that the industry has come light years ahead on this issue. This is a good thing because it really needed to, whether or not that is palatable to hear.”
“It should not be forgotten that 10 months ago all of the groups who now say that padded whips are working well were vehemently opposed to them. It is a credit to the industry that it has come this far in such a short space of time. The incidents of breaches of the new rules is less than 1% and this is a incontrovertible evidence that the overwhelming majority of riders have adapted to them.”
The Australian Racing Board has assessed each of the arguments advised for and against varying the current rules.
“Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) is always a serious matter but in this instance there is absolutely no evidence that supports the argument that riders or horses have been placed at risk as a consequence of the new whip rules.The statistics show that if anything safety levels have been enhanced, with incidents of interference in the straight declining markedly.”
“The needs and wants of punters and owners are also a crucial consideration and the ARB has given careful consideration to the impact of the new rules on these groups.Ultimately the Australian Racing Board’s obligation is to do what is in the best interests of the industry, now and in the future, not what is popular.
In this instance the Board does not believe that there is evidence that warrants backtracking on the changes that came into effect on 1st August, 2009. This decision was arrived at unanimously.”
The Board has always intended that it will conduct a full review of the new whip rules in February 2010 and we remain committed to do this.” – Bob Bentley, Chairman Australian Racing Board.
End Media Release
Notes to editors:
- 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:
- Not to grant a moratorium on penalties
- To amend the Australian Rules of Racing to put it beyond doubt that breaches of the whip rules are not grounds for a protest
- To endorse penalty guidelines with clear proviso that Stewards to exercise discretion in every case.
- 1 August 2009
New whip rules come into effect
[10/09/2009]
