Horse Racing

Whip Debate Refuses To Die

As the whip saga continues to dominate the majority of racing talk across the UK key stakeholders have decided enough is enough.

This Friday a meeting will be held between the Professional Jockeys Association and BHA where both sides are expected to agree that the issue cannot remain the number one story in horse racing for any longer.

The fact is though unless both parties can agree on a solution that is exactly what will happen.

The issue again rose its hea don Saturday when William Kennedy copped a seven day ban and lost his prize-money after winning at Kempton on Swincombe Flame.

This is just after Thursdays horror day where seven jockeys copped a combined 93 days suspension.

It will be the number one issue for Paul Bittar who will join the BHA as chief executive just two days earlier.

For the PJA it will again be Kevin Darley in charge as he desperately seeks a win befor ehe leaves as chief executive.

Steve Drowne, a joint-president of the PJA, said: “It is worrying that all the good things going on in racing are being overshadowed by the whip issue.”

John Maxse spoke on behalf of the BHA and his words won’t fill people with hopes of a fast resolution.

“On Friday we’ll be having our first sit-down meeting since the changes were introduced,” he said.

It’s not surprising then that no immediate rule changes are expected.

Whatever happens though both parties need to be aware that this can ill afford to drag on any longer.

There were similar initial problems when whip regulations were brought into Australia but racing there has barely had an issue since people decided to move on with things.

One thing we can be glad of is that the racing itself continues to b as strong as ever.

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