Whip debate: Would changing the name to crop or persuader alter public opinion on whip use?

Do you know the difference between a crop and persuader? Would changing the term to describe a riding instrument alter the perception of racing. HAVE YOUR SAY

Racing Victoria’s whip reform a hot button topic between participants.

Australian Trainers’ Association president Robbie Griffiths says the word itself, “whip”, creates an unfair perception of the “riding instrument”.

“When used correctly they’re never, ever, ever used to inflict punishment or pain in any way,” Griffiths said.

“It’s obviously a perception thing, not a welfare issue, so if we’re trying to fix perception … we might have to change the title of the instrument jockeys use.”

The ATA, along with the Victorian Jockeys’ Association, was successful lobbying against a Racing Victoria-led proposed trial of whip-free races early next year.

It is widely accepted a padded whip or crop is central to the safety of riders to control and encourage their horse to behave in the correct manner.

A “persuader” is another term used in racing circles to describe the whip.

Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson questioned the merits of alternative names.

“It just seems to me a distraction from the reality of what we’re facing,” Thompson said.

Ethan Brown uses his whip on Mr Money Bags at Flemington this month.

“I have concerns it‘s compounding the head in the sand … it’s unrealistic to suggest you could rebrand something like that across Australia.

“The visual is still there, you can call it what you like (but) the visual is still the same.”

A recent survey of “racing customers”, commissioned by Racing Victoria, found 49 per cent are opposed to the use of the whip for encouragement purposes.

Only 34 per cent supported its use, with 17 per cent “unsure”.

Thompson said inaction on whip reform undermines the future sustainability of racing.

“It’s not about what happens in 2021 or 2022,” Thompson said.

Giles Thompson says inaction on whip reform undermines the future sustainability of racing.

“It’s about the future of racing and racing has to evolve to match that (customer) expectation.”

Retired champion jockey Shane Dye weighed in on Thursday, blaming stewards for jockeys being prepared to wear penalties for whip breaches if it meant trying to win a big race.

“Everyone will blame the jockeys because they don’t follow the rules,” Dye told RSN927.

“But who enforces the rules? The stewards. Over the whip rule they have been a disgrace.

“Why is a jockey hitting a horse? Jockeys and everyone knows by hitting a horse, I would say 97 per cent, of horses go faster.

“Something has to be done and the stewards have to get stronger, they are to blame here, they are 100 per cent to blame, and it’s about time it changed.”

Originally published as Whip debate: Would changing the name to crop or persuader alter public opinion on whip use?