THE controversy over the whip rules that came to a head on British Champions Day three years ago has pretty much died down now.

But there was still some disparity in the various punishments handed out at Ascot.

James Doyle was banned and fined for giving 11 strikes with the whip in his victory on Noble Mission. It was clearly a much stronger ride than that given to the runner-up by George Baker. It didn’t however, look a particularly abusive ride, the horse was given time and did respond.

It’s hard to see how a big, strong five-year-old, who’s already been through many tight finishes could be said to be abused by four more than the limit of cracks with the modern whip across his rear with five months rest to get over them.

Doyle was also fined for winning the race and due to its value, got a £10,000 fine.

There were nine cracks from Richard Hughes on Night Of Thunder in the QEII which gave him a four day ban. Jim Crowley got four days for what looked like 10 strikes on Madame Chiang.

It appeared Hughes was guilty of the same offence (it actually looked a stronger ride than Doyle’s, but a strike or two less) but didn’t get any financial punishment, neither did Crowley. If the basic offence is the same then the punishment must be the same. Will the future scenario be two riders fighting out the finish, one gets a substantial fine for using his whip just twice more than his rival if both exceed the limit?

There was less discussion last week as James Doyle accepted his punishment but it doesn’t seem fair. In France this week in a French group race, Ioritz Mendizabal was fined €150 for delivering 10 smacks to the winner Moonee Valley.

At Ascot Pat Smullen only got three days for what was pretty serious interference. In the long term you have to ask was the more serious offence? The rules in different countries still need some attention.