NO winning riders at Cheltenham this week used their whips above the permitted level.

There had been fears that Irish jockeys could struggle to adapt to the new British whip rules, but after racing on Friday the British Horseracing Authority published some encouraging statistics.

There were six whip referrals from 444 rides at Cheltenham. Only one of those involved a winner and that referral was not in regard to the number of strokes.

Three of the six referrals were for exceeding the permitted number of hits and, though the BHA will not publish details until next Tuesday, it is believed that J.J. Slevin may have gone one stroke over the limit when finishing second on Fastorslow in the Ultima Handicap Chase on Tuesday. If the charge is upheld by the Whip Review Committee, Slevin can expect an eight-day ban. The BHA also pointed out that two of the referrals relate to hitting a horse in the incorrect place, and those rules have not changed.

Andrew Coonan of the Irish Jockeys Association would not discuss any individual cases which may be under review but commented: “I’m really pleased with how the week has gone. Our members did as much preparation as they could beforehand. They were really anxious to acquit themselves well and to be fully aware of the new rules.”

Coonan confirmed that Paul Townend has lodged an appeal against the five-day suspension he received for causing interference aboard Energumene in the Champion Chase, while Patrick Mullins is appealing the one-day ban given to him following a false start in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.