Chief Stipe Posted February 14, 2022 Share Posted February 14, 2022 At least 31 instances of whip misuse by riders and drivers in thoroughbred and harness racing have occurred since the start of this year, according to the Racing Integrity Board website. Among them, several riders were found to have breached the whip rules on multiple occasions in the past six months. Breaches include excessive whipping, using a whip in “more than a wrist only flicking motion”, lifting the whip above shoulder height, and striking a horse in consecutive strides. Penalties include fines and suspension. The majority of the fines this year were between $100 and $400. One jockey was fined $4000 for a fourth breach in six months. Several were also suspended between two and nine days. An amateur jockey was suspended for six weeks. Phil Walter/Getty Images Former Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Clement is now the head of the Racing Integrity Board. Racing Integrity Board chief executive Mike Clement said over the past few years, NZ Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing NZ had made “significant steps” to control whip use and there was a “marked difference”. “They are transitioning from the habits of the past into a new paradigm in whip use. Both codes should land on a vision for whip use in the sport,” he said. “Most would agree the whip won’t be permissible at all. That’s what I would encourage. They need to make clear what their ultimate intention is so everyone can work towards that. “The days of whips are numbered.” He said there was no “one size fits all” when it came to whip infringements, but suspensions did impact the employment of a rider. “It beats any $100 fine by the length of the straight,” he said. “We’ve come a long way. We’ve got a long way to go. We are in a transition period regarding whip use, and we should push on with making the change, with many commentators say is inevitable.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Stipe Posted February 14, 2022 Author Share Posted February 14, 2022 Don't you think sorting out the INCA mess and removing those who made it a mess would be a bigger priority for you Mike? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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