Sport is made for betting

The stubborn Australian Racing Board and the Australian Jockeys' Association went head-to-head over the changes to the whip rules brought in on August 1 in Australia. Jockeys were rightfully frustrated about a major change to the rule which would bring about a suspension for them if they used the whip too many times in the closing stages, trying to win the race, yet the result wouldn't be overturned - so they'd be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Jockeys walked out across Australia last Thursday, stopping several race meetings during the day, and threatened further action. The spring carnival was never realistically under threat, but the jockeys wanted the issue sorted out before the big stakes were on the table. Jockeys, ARB reach whip compromise My query is, in six or so seconds that it takes for the last 100m, how many times more could a jockey whip a horse anyway?

I don't see the problem with this, so long as it's done properly. Times have changed, animal welfare, health and safety and the environment are all important daily issues, and there is no reason why racing should be exempt. Making these changes now gives them a leg to stand on against animal activists and other protesters who go a step too far in their demands. Not sure what the rules are in North America, but certainly in the UK & Ireland, use of the whip is restricted. The horse must be given a chance to respond to the whip before it is struck again. Jockeys say new whip rules will change race results If they want to moan about it, how about presenting some facts with how many race results would have actually changed. People resist change - that's life, but without any facts, it's jsut the typical doomsday prediction from those it affects. It will get rid of bad jockeys who have no skill other than belting the bejesus out of a horse with the whip. And that's n...