BHA: UK racing to introduce new whip rules from early 2023

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced that new rules and penalties related to the use of padded whips will be ‘implemented in full’ from 6 February 2023.

Under the auspices of the updated regulations, jockeys must ensure that the “use of the whip for encouragement” should be limited to the backhand position only. UK racing has also established a new threshold for acceptable use of the whip to remain at seven in flat races and eight in jumps fixtures.

The final measures were revised and approved by the board of the BHA, taking into consideration the concerns and interests of all UK racing stakeholders.

From 9 January, the BHA will implement a ‘four-week bedding-in period’ to allow jockeys time to adapt to the new rules. Jockeys will race under the new padded whip regulations but will not be subject to the amended penalty framework.

For flat racing, the bedding-in period will begin on 27 February, with full implementation from 27 March – the start week of UK racing’s Flat Turf season.

The revised whip rules and penalties were initially proposed by a Whip Consultation Steering Group consisting of experienced individuals from jockeys and trainers to members of the racing industry, media, government and equine welfare.

The conduct of jockeys and trainers will be monitored by a ‘whip review committee’ responsible for the evaluation of all racing fixtures and any “necessary sanctions to increase consistency and drive ongoing improvement in riding standards.” 

Trainers and owners were warned that disqualification from the jump and flat fixtures will be introduced for “offences in which the whip has been used four times or more above the permitted level in all races”.

The BHA underlined that it would increase penalties for whipping offences, including a potential doubling of jockey suspensions for major races. Overall, UK racing will adopt 20 new rules on padded whips that must be followed.

Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the BHA, said: “We are extremely grateful for the engagement and feedback we have received through the period of technical discussions. The discussions were full and frank, hence the time they have taken to conclude.

“The discussions quickly established that there was overall support for the vast majority of the recommendations. However, as expected there were some areas of concern raised. We have listened to the feedback we received and made adjustments to the initial proposals accordingly.

“We recognise that some of the new rules are going to take some time to get used to for some jockeys, which is why we have factored in time for communication and education as well as a bedding-in period before the rules and penalties are implemented in full.”