Jockeys face whip clamps

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 jurisdictions suggests Australian riders are more prone to use it.

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

A RV spokesman described those discussions as ongoing and progressing well, but with nothing formal to report.

Jockeys Ben Melham and Fred Kersley Jr were suspended for six meetings at Flemington last Saturday for using the whip 10 times before the 100m mark — five more than permitted.

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

Leading owner Lloyd Williams has suggested the best remedy is to remove the whip.

News Corp is aware of significant support among other influential racing figures for tougher penalties for jockeys.

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

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. Their British (6.8) and French counterparts (4.8) used the whip more sparingly.

On Sunday Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne tweeted the whip was “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.”