Whip offences down by 40 per cent
The top 10 jump riders have only incurred 11 whip offences from over 5,000 rides this season.
Whip offence rates have fallen by 40 per cent since the introduction of new rules in 2011, according to figures published by the British Horseracing Authority.
The figures also reveal that cases of interference have decreased by nearly 33 per cent compared to the same period.
Jamie Stier, director of raceday operations and regulation for the BHA, said: “These figures highlight how effective the rules have been in meeting their objectives of reducing the number of whip offences, bringing about a culture change towards use of the whip amongst riders, promoting good horsemanship and ensuring that we safeguard the welfare of horses and the public perception of the sport.”
First introduced in 2011, the current whip rules were revised in 2012 ahead of the 2015 Cheltenham festival following criticism that previous regulations were too harsh.
BHA say that the top 10 jump riders have only incurred 11 whip offences from over 5,000 rides this season. Current leading jump jockey AP McCoy has incurred only one whip offence from 736 rides. Similarly, the four Irish riders who ride most regularly in Britain have between them incurred only one whip offence from their rides in the country this season.
Out of the major races in 2014, 61 of 72 Group or Grade one run races did not occur any form of whip offence. Four of the 72 winning rides in Group or Grade one races incurred a breach of the rules.
Jamie Stier added: “On the whole we remain satisfied with the current rules and the manner in which they are being adhered to by the riders and enforced by the stewards. The figures from the top jump riders show that it is possible to ride many winners, at the top end of the sport, without incurring breaches.
"The challenge of the rules remains ensuring that the penalty structure is both fair and appropriate while also providing an effective deterrent, especially in the more valuable races. On current evidence, we believe that this balance has been struck at present."
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