Racing: Horseman rejects padded whips

Jockeys are not allowed excessive use of the whip under New Zealand racing rules. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Padded whips in horse racing? It's a bigger deal than you think.

Those behind the move believe padded whips will package horse racing better for a new generation.

But senior jockey David Walsh says if that's the reason for its introduction, forget it.

"This whole subject is getting out of hand," said Walsh last night.

"Firstly, I tried a padded whip at the trials early last year and again in a race at Matamata this week.

"I don't like them at all - they don't work.

"To make them work every jockey will have to reinvent their riding style.

"We'll end up using them like the Poms, who go way out to the side and bring the whip in hard, which for a start is ugly and hits the horse harder.

"They do that because they're only allowed to hit the horse, what is it, seven times in the closing stages. They make every one of those count.

"The whole subject is over-emphasised. Half the time you're not hitting the horse and when you do, you're not really hurting them.

"If you hit a horse as hard as some people think you do they'd simply stop.

"If you bashed them week after week, do you really think they'd come back and race well again. Of course not.

"Every now and then a rider gets overenthusiastic and there are rules in place for stipendiary stewards to pull them up.

"Riding styles have changed completely in the last 20 years and if you go back 30 years you'd be staggered how different they are.

"The standard is so much better now and more refined with less whip use.

"If we introduce padded whips it will disadvantage owners, trainers and punters.

"I understand where it's coming from, but it's not the answer."

The padded whip issue came from Australia where it emanated from the extreme animal rights activists, who have a powerful lobby.

And while many jumps jockeys in Australia now use them, most flat jockeys have railed against their use.

The activists have made a powerful case to have jumps racing banned in Australia. It has been temporarily stalled, but may yet be successful and sooner than many think.

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has had extensive trials of padded whips and they are continuing.

Reid Sanders, NZTR chief stipendiary steward and integrity manager, outlined the work that has been undertaken to reach this point.

"The first step in this process was taken by NZTR's integrity committee, which considered the issue early last year and subsequently approved padded whips in April 2008.

"It is an issue that is becoming more apparent globally. Australia has also been running trials of padded whips. It is important that NZTR remains proactive in this area.

"This whole process has included consultation with the New Zealand Trainers Association and the New Zealand Jockeys Association."

Dave Taylor, president of the NZJA, spoke on behalf of jockeys: "Jockeys have been extensively consulted, principally because there is a safety aspect to consider here. Our position is that jockeys must be permitted to carry and use a whip, if necessary."

Paul Bittar, chief executive of NZTR, added: "NZTR's primary charter is one of integrity and safety. It is in this context that we have been considering this issue - the safety of jockeys and the welfare of racehorses.

"NZTR's current policy restricts riders to using the whip a maximum of six times 200 metres before the winning post irrespective of the distance of the race. At that point riders must put their hands back onto the reins and ride hands and heels for six strides before considering using the whip again. If their mount is in contention after the 200-metre mark they can use their whip, providing it's not in an excessive manner."