Racing: Australian whip rules slammed

Punters expect to see their fancies ridden right out to the line, but under new regulations this may not happen. Photo / Richard Robinson

The new whip rules introduced throughout Australia on August 1 have the potential for major controversy over the spring carnival, says Victorian Jockeys' Association (VJA) director Ross Ingliss.

The rules faced their first challenge on Thursday when jockeys Brad Rawiller and Dale Smith and South Australian apprentice Lauren Stojakovic had their four-day suspensions for breaching them quashed by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RADB).

Ingliss said he could envisage a number of problems with the new rules, with the rich prizemoney on offer during the spring carnival.

"They are potentially unworkable unless made simpler," he said. "We are going to try to make it work, but I'd be surprised if we get through the spring carnival without a major issue."

Under the new whip rules, horses can be struck only five times before the 200m and only once for three consecutive strides in the last 200m.

Ingliss said the rule regarding the last 200m might have to be changed to horses being struck once every second stride. "No one at the VJA supports excessive use of the whip. The jockeys don't," Ingliss said.

"I envisage problems with the new rules and the penalties are a bit harsh, especially in the transitional stage as many jockeys have been riding for 10, 20, 30 years under the old rules."

Rawiller, Smith and Stojakovic all had their penalties varied in part on Thursday.

All had pleaded guilty and Rawiller, who had already served his suspension after not applying for a stay of proceedings pending the appeal, and Smith forfeited their winning percentage and riding fee, which totalled A$846.50 each.

The RADB ruled that the far less experienced Stojakovic had to forfeit only 50 per cent of her winning percentage and riding fee of A$585.25.

Last Sunday, Smith and Rawiller were the first jockeys in Victoria to be penalised for breaches of the new rules.

Racing Victoria Ltd stewards said Smith struck his mount Betty's Belle for at least 14 consecutive strides over the last 200m of the 0-68 Hcp at Sale last week.

Stewards said Rawiller struck Forever Fight, who won by a short head, for eight consecutive strides in the 0-68 Hcp at Cranbourne last Sunday.

They said Stojakovic used her whip on Slippery Madam on at least 10 occasions before the final 200m in the Maiden Plate at Swan Hill on Monday.

The three horses won their respective races.

- AAP