RACING Victoria surprised the rest of the industry this week with its intention to endorse a whip use policy that would bring it more in-line with Europe.

Longer term Racing Victoria is set to advocate the gradual banning of the whip, unless it’s a safety measure.

“RV will propose that, from 1 January 2021, riders are only permitted to use the whip on a maximum number of occasions throughout the entire race and never in a horse’s consecutive strides. RV is proposing that the maximum number be between five and eight occasions per race,” said a prepared statement.

Racing Victoria is planning to take the proposal to a vote at November’s Racing Australia Board meeting. “As industry leaders, we are charged with not only managing the sport today but ensuring that it remains vibrant and successful for generations to come.

Progress

“Making progress on whip reform is important if we want to retain our existing audiences and ensure that we’re an attractive option for the fans and employees of tomorrow,” said Racing Victoria CEO Giles Thompson.

Jockeys are currently allowed to use their whip a maximum five times before the 100 metre mark, and essentially unlimited from there.

Racing Victoria’s statement said the body “is of the view that a new framework is required to transition the industry to an ultimate prohibition on use of the whip for purposes other than to protect the safety of horses and jockeys.”