PAUL BITTAR SAYS THAT WHIP PENALTIES MAY BE EASED

The BHA's new chief executive has announced that whip penalties could be relaxed.

Paul Bittar has claimed that the controversial penalty that jockeys receive as a result of breaking the new rules may be eased.

Bittar took up the post on Wednesday (January 18) but insisted that immediate changes were unlikely, yet he discussed how the new levels of punishment were inaccurate as they don't fit the crime.

Jockeys, trainers and even punters have reacted badly to the severe penalties that are given - the row started as a result of the 2011 Grand National where Jason Maguire was heavily criticised for excessive use of the whip on Ballabriggs.

The debate has recently been reignited as a result of Will Kennedy's suspension following his win in the Lanzarote Hurdle.

He received a seven-day ban and even had to forfeit his prize money.

During that weekend, over 100-day suspensions were handed out, resulting in negative reactions from the racing world.

Come on Paul, I know you can see the severity of the punishment. It's unfair on everyone: jockeys, trainers and owners. Listen to what the professionals want and change the rules to what they were previously. It needs to be done.

 NEW WHIP RULES

• Jockeys can use the whip seven times in Flat races and eight times in National Hunt
• Jockeys exceeding the limit by one strike will be suspended             
• Exceeding the limit by more than one strike will mean the jockey forfeits a share of prize money 

LASHING OUT - MY OPINION ON RULES OF THE WHIP IN HORSE RACING

Since the rules of the use of the whip in horse racing changed last year, it seems that each ban gets more and more ridiculous.

Personally, I believe that the whip in the sport was already used responsibly and reasonably.

Jockeys are now faced with further restrictions as to how many times they can use the whip.

From October 10th 2011, the number of times a jockey’s whip changed to eight in National Hunt races and nearly halved to seven times in flat races.

  

With recent bans including Lanzarote Hurdle winner, Will Kennedy and amateur riders including Robert Cooper, I believe the BHA should refer back to its previous rules on the whip as jockeys were doing just as well then.

How can you reduce the number of times you can hit the horse with the whip if it doesn't even hurt them in the first place?

Jockeys need to control the horses: they are large, heavy creatures who need to be given guidance in a race.

  

The whip is an essential element to why racing is such a greatly admired sport as around six million people attend just over 1,500 race meets in a year.

Will Kennedy said it right : "I'm not really one for hitting them but I missed the last and what do I tell the owners?

"I either hit her two more times and win by a nostril or I don't and I get beaten. Who can say I would have won without those two hits? It's disappointing."

He said: "You work your backside off and lose two-and-a-half grand. You sometimes wonder why you bother".

The BHA needs to reconsider the rules and I believe they should return to what they were previously.

Read my interview with Sussex trainer Diana Grissell on the use of the whip: http://everyoneisstarryeyed.blogspot.com/2011/11/whipping-up-debate-with-sussex-trainer.html

SWINCOMBE FLAME SIZZLES IN THE LANZAROTE HURDLE BUT KENNEDY MUST FORFEIT PRIZE MONEY

SWINCOMBE FLAME managed to win by a nostril in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton yesterday.

Trainer Nick Williams and jockey Will Kennedy have now won the hurdle for the second time after Swincombe Flame beat Featherbed Lane by a final stride past the winning post.

The mare did well to battle amongst the army of rivals around her and when she crept into first position, the crowd roared with delight as she was the well-backed favourite at 9/2.

Featherbed Lane, however, powered past her over the final jump, but despite a bad jump from Swincombe Flame as well as a photo finish, Kennedy brought home a winner.

But Kennedy has now been told to forfeit his prize money which he won for winning the hurdle as he was penalised for excessive use of the whip.

He also faces a seven day ban as a result.