Move to ban whips in Tasmanian pacing gagged

A MEMBER of the Tasmanian Pacing Club wants to ban whips — but he’s been thwarted at the club’s AGM.

A move to ban whips in harness racing has been thwarted.

A MOVE to ban whips in Tasmanian pacing has failed, with debate gagged before the motion could be discussed.

A foundation member of the Tasmanian Pacing Club wants to ban drivers using the whip and had submitted a notice motion at the club’s AGM last night.

Mick Heatley’s move would have made the club the first in Australia to ban whips.

“It’s a proactive move to benefit the industry," he told the Mercury.

“I don’t think the general public and those coming into the code want to see horses being whipped from pillar to post anymore.”

Mr Heatley submitted the notice of motion but another notice of motion to dismiss his one was lodged and subsequently voted through.

“It’s disappointing, there were certainly some people sympathetic to the idea when we discussed it,” he said.

Harness Racing Australia has recently discussed banning the whip nationally.

Originally published as Move to ban whips in Tasmanian pacing gagged