AN impassioned call for the use of the whip in racing to be banned met with a rigorous response from the British Horseracing Authority on Wednesday.

Respected journalist Matthew Syed said in his column in The Times the racing industry was “in denial” and that “pain is being inflicted upon animals for the purpose of making them run faster”.

He added: “It is in the interests not only of horses but of racing itself to consign the use of this device for the purposes of increasing speed to the scrapheap of history.”

Responding on Twitter, the BHA said: “If horses behaved as if they were in pain, then the millions of people who watch the sport – and the thousands who take part and dedicate their lives to the care of these animals – wouldn’t accept it.

“They would be horrified. In fact, our trainers, riders and owners are knowledgeable and compassionate and the last thing they want to do is see their horses hurt.

“The whip is foam-padded and air-cushioned and we have very strict rules which limit the amount of times which the whip can be used, and jockeys who care about the horses they ride.

“We are aware that a debate is ongoing about the use of the whip and the BHA is following the wide range of views very closely.”