Whip Rule Breaches in a Major Australian Racing Jurisdiction: Welfare and Regulatory Implications

Authors

Jennifer Hood, University of SydneyFollow
Carolyn McDonald, University of SydneyFollow
Bethany Wilson, University of SydneyFollow
Phil McManus, University of SydneyFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-16-2017

Abstract

Whip use in horseracing is increasingly being questioned on ethical, animal welfare, social sustainability, and legal grounds. Despite this, there is weak evidence for whip use and its regulation by Stewards in Australia. To help address this, we characterised whip rule breaches recorded by Stewards using Stewards Reports and Race Diaries from 2013 and 2016 in New SouthWales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). There were more recorded breaches at Metropolitan (M) than Country (C) or Provincial (P) locations, and by riders of horses that finished first, second, or third than by riders of horses that finished in other positions. The most commonly recorded breaches were forehand whip use on more than five occasions before the 100-metre (m) mark (44%), and whip use that raises the jockey’s arm above shoulder height (24%). It is recommended that racing compliance data be analysed annually to inform the evidence-base for policy, education, and regulatory change, and ensure the welfare of racehorses and racing integrity.

Comments

Open access article

Recommended Citation

Hood, J.; McDonald, C.; Wilson, B.; McManus, P.; McGreevy, P. Whip Rule Breaches in a Major Australian Racing Jurisdiction: Welfare and Regulatory Implications. Animals 2017, 7, 4.