Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th March 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Whip offences down by 40 per cent
Jockeys
The top 10 jump riders have only incurred 11 whip offences from over 5,000 rides this season.
Offence rates fallen since introduction of the new rules

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."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.