curious

Might have been interesting to ask her what it was like riding in Norway where use of the whip is essentially banned. She clearly coped with that successfully.

The very strong Keeneland November Sale boasted "The clearance rate was nearly 80%" Going by reports from vendors it was more like an unmitigated success.

Pretty good for any sale, let alone a RTR. If I'd taken 5 there and only had to bring one home, I'd be a happy camper I think.

Looks like Dick on the other channel has finally realised the clearance rate was 78%+ not 50%.

I'd regard it as probably reckless, so would have got 6 weeks. That he escaped with low range careless is extremely generous imo. Should have been at least mid to high range 7-10 days. From my view Justadude gave ground from being chopped off in the incident and was a winning chance at that stage, not that that has anything to do with it.

My only criticism of Oatham here is that the stewards should have gone for a greater penalty given the egregious nature of the incident.

Very to mine.

Sure, but the jailing was immediate for the possession charge. No doubt those other factors will be taken into account on penalty if he is convicted.

https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/53160/2/Race-Detail.aspx

WHIP RULE BREACHES There is limited scope or discretion for an Adjudicative Committee to depart from the Penalty Guide when imposing a penalty for a breach of the whip rules. Any departure would need to be carefully evaluated on the basis of exceptional circumstances.

Clear interference to me. Cut under its neck and took the other horse's line. I agree with the adjudicator and the stewards bringing the charge. Should happen more often to put a stop to this shit.

That is for possession and he was straight to jail.

https://paulickreport.com/news/the-biz/louisiana-state-police-say-jockey-possessed-five-shocking-devices

And why is it not in Britain, the UK, France, Germany, Nth America, etc.? If jockeys can't count up to 10, they should be sent back to school before they get their licence renewed. Australasia are so out of line with international best practice, it's a joke, and a great shame on our industry for both welfare and integrity. Disgusting stuff.

How and where?

So is that not true then?

Only place in the world I think. We are probably second to only them on animal welfare matters.

Don't think they must carry one now must they? So, if connections offer the ride on the basis they not carry one, no need for a new rule.

What's the fiction?

Long since banned. 611 A Rider must not wear spurs in a Flat Race or flat Trial (including a flat jump-out or flat test for certification purposes)

Yep. The US HISA rules would be ok too. Similar but different and DQ for 4 strikes over and complete ban on use on 2yos the first 3 months of the season. (b) A rider may: (1) Use the crop on the hindquarters to activate and focus the Horse a maximum of 6 times during a race. The 6 permitted uses shall be in increments of 2 or fewer strikes. The rider must allow at least 2 strides for the Horse to respond before using the crop again. (2) Tap the Horse on the shoulder with the crop while both hands are holding on to the reins and both hands are touching the neck of the Horse. It beggars belief that Australasia are so far behind international standards, despite the Australian Veterinary Association review recommending that whip use for encouragement be phased out in all equestrian events.

Exactly! And add this from the Brits for example: g) A rider must allow 3 strides between each use of the whip h) A rider must only use the whip where their horse is responding

It would be interesting. He seems to rely on data and science, not population stats like some.

Looks like he might be contemplating a Wellington Cup meeting raid too from the early noms.

Thanks. Worth a watch. Please update us when episode 2 emerges.