Racing Victoria could introduce more severe consequences for jockeys who excessively use whip

Racing Victoria is reviewing its most controversial rule — whip use — and a study of Australian jockeys versus overseas jockeys has uncovered some alarming stats when it comes to how Aussie jockeys use the whip in races.

Racing Victoria’s review of whip rule penalties could pave the way for more severe consequences for jockeys as a study of whip use in three different jurisdictions shows Australian riders are more prone to striking horses.

RV is currently reviewing the framework for whip penalties in consultation with the Victorian Jockeys’ Association.

A RV spokesman described those discussions as “ongoing and are progressing well, however there is nothing formal to report at this time.”

Ben Melham and Fred Kersley junior were both suspended for six meetings at Flemington on Saturday for using the whip 10 times before the 100m mark, five more than allowed.

RV’s talks with the VJA comes amid growing discomfort among senior racing figures, who believe flagrant whip abuse is a blight on the sport.

Leading owner Lloyd Williams has repeatedly suggested the best way to remedy the problem is to remove the whip altogether.

The Herald Sun is aware of significant support among other influential racing figures for tougher penalties for jockeys who flout whip restrictions.

Prominent syndicator OTI recently commissioned a study of whip use in nine feature races in Australia, France and England.

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Ben Melham has been suspended for excessive whip use. Picture: Getty

The survey looked at the Melbourne Cup, Victoria Derby and Oaks, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Prix du Jockey Club, Prix de Diane, Ebor Handicap and Epsom Derby and Oaks.

It found Australian jockeys averaged 8.8 strikes from the 400m to the winning post, while their British (6.8) and French counterparts (4.8) used the whip more sparingly.

Debate has recently intensified in Australia over the difficulty facing stewards in appropriately assessing penalties – or considering or lodging potential protests.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne tweeted on Sunday the whip is “definitely necessary for our sport but jockeys getting fined just need to remember the rule as it is.”

“Maybe amending it isn’t the worst idea. But right now it’s just laziness those getting fined, it’s absolutely possible as a rider to change,” she said.

“Every individual just needs to do it.”

It’s definitely necessary for our sport but jockeys getting fined just need to remember the rule as it is.Maybe amending it isn’t the worst idea.But right now its just laziness those getting fined, it’s absolutely possible as a rider to change.Every individual just needs to do it https://t.co/ZhHcTjadqz

— Michelle Payne (@mj_payne) July 5, 2020

DEE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER BIZARRE POST-RACE INCIDENT

Mick Dee is nursing a suspected shoulder injury after an unusual post-race incident soured his win on Heroic Fighter at Pakenham.

Dee was easing up on Amy and Ash Yargi’s galloper after claiming a 2200m contest, only to fall after riderless horse Midas Man, who lost his rider Celine Gaudry on the home turn, made contact.

The incident happened when a clerk of the course attempted to catch Midas Man, who veered across Dee’s path to elude capture, causing Heroic Fighter to fall.

Dee was taken to hospital for scans.

Gaudray, who was having only her fourth ride, was assessed by an on-course doctor and cleared of injury.

Both horses were examined by vets and cleared of injury.

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