Written by Bren O'Brien
Racing Victoria has put an end to speculation that it will look to conduct ‘whip for safety only’ races during the early part of 2021, but it will continue to pursue its whip reform agenda.
Media reports has suggested that Racing Victoria intended to hold a 'whip for safety only' racing series during the summer and early autumn, drawing widespread negative feedback from those within the industry.
It came off the back of a recent Racing Victoria commissioned study, which surveyed 1851 members of the public, the results of which saw 87 per cent of respondents say whip usage should be limited to no more than four strikes per race. Around 56 per cent of people said that whip use during races should be banned.
That survey also drew the ire of many industry participants, who felt excluded from the process of determining the future use of the whip, or riding crop, and how often it should be used.
A Racing Victoria commissioned study saw 87 per cent of respondents say whip usage should be limited to no more than four strikes per race
Racing Victoria, which outlined publicly in September 2020 its belief that the current national whip rules are no longer appropriate, has now confirmed it won't be conducting races under conditions which would see whip use only permitted for safety reasons in the near future.
It, however, did not say that such racing conditions were not on its longer-term whip reform agenda.
"RV believes that whip reform is essential if racing is to retain its existing audiences and, importantly, ensure that it is attractive for the fans and employees of tomorrow," RV said it a statement.
"RV believes that whip reform is essential if racing is to retain its existing audiences and, importantly, ensure that it is attractive for the fans and employees of tomorrow." - Racing Victoria Statement
"RV stated that it will always support the carrying of a whip by jockeys on safety grounds and that the industry’s immediate priority should be reducing its maximum permitted usage to between five and eight times per race in line with many other leading international jurisdictions."
Its position was formally tabled before the Racing Australia (RA) Board meeting last month, as RA’s Riding Advisory Protocols Panel undertakes an overarching national review.
"It is RV’s hope and expectation that the RA review will be well advanced within the first quarter of next year and that meaningful progress can be realised," it said.
"In the meantime, RV will continue to engage with industry stakeholder groups and racing customers on the important subject of whip reform, which will include exploring ways to obtain insights into the potential impact of RV’s recommended reduction in whip use."
Racing Victoria did confirm it does have plans for a new race series to feature during the 2021 Festival of Racing, the details of which will be announced this week, but it did not involve altering the conditions under which the whip may be used.
