News

Whip Reform Stays

10th Sep 2009

Australian Racing Board - Media Release - Thursday, 10 September 2009

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 controvertible 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.