Educate to stop critics getting the whip hand STEAMING

LEADERS show their true colours when the going gets tough.

Theresa May will display what she’s made of in the coming weeks while, longer term, the same is true of those who run British racing.

On Wednesday, the

BHA published its report into the six equine deaths at the Cheltenham

Festival last March.

They made 17 recommendations as to how the Festival — and jump racing in general — can be made safer in the future for its participants.

The review showed our top brass — headed by chief executive Nick Rust (above) — are all too aware that parliament is keeping an eye on its governance of the sport and is listening to equine welfare concerns.

But the BHA must also show strength when fortitude is required.

Perception is never far from the debate when welfare is in the spotlight — what industry can afford to disdain how it is viewed from the outside?

But, when necessary, we must respond to the unease of those looking in by seeking to educate — and it is in this area that there is much progress to be made.

The vast majority of those calling for the abolition of the whip do so on the grounds of public perception rather than in the belief it presents a compromise to equine welfare.

In this instance, the enlightened path is to explain why this instrument — and specifically the strip of compressed foam that makes contact with the horse — is not what its detractors believe it to be.

The onus is on us to be proactive rather than reactive. Great British Racing — the BHA’S promotional arm — should spend some cash on demonstration stands at race meetings, where anyone with misgivings can hold a whip and feel its impact.

British racing can be very proud of its welfare standards, but is vital to engage with those outside the confines of the racing parish and no less important to effect change when needed.

But, when we’re getting things right, we must have the courage of our convictions. Education, not capitulation.