Thursday 27 October 2011

BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY REGULATION SERIOUS QUESTIONS NEEDING TRUE ANSWERS



BHA: NEW WHIP RULES COME INTO FORCE ON MONDAY OCTOBER 10th 2011

QIPCO CHAMPIONS DAY SATURDAY OCTOBER 15th  2011
CHAPTER ONE
Qipco British Horseracing Champions Day (Flat) Saturday October 15th 2011
Nick Luck C4 questions Paul Roy Chairman of BHA ( Ascot racecourse 15.10. 2011)

CHAPTER TWO
Qipco British Horseracing Champions Day (Flat) Saturday October 15th 2011
Paul Roy answers Nick Luck's Questions  (15.10.2011)

PRINCE RUPERT CORBALLY STUD  EIRE
CHAPTER THREE
TAKING a closer look at the British Horseracing Authorities Regulation Working Practices brought to light in theory within a 78 page Whip Review Document. Prepared for BHA by Jamie Stier ( Australian) and Tim Morris (Veterinary) over the period from November 2010 ..... published in September 2011 ..... enforced on Monday October 10th 2011 just five days before the very first Qipco Champions Day at Ascot. No 'IN PRACTICE' trial allowed.
 IN THEORY one of the BHA's short sharp shock tactics, same as used by government pushed through when people's thoughts are distracted elsewhere. A dirty trick. As was the Sale of the Tote which belongs, and has always belonged to the grass roots of British horseracing.  

ARE STIER AND MORRIS  QUALIFIED TO TACKLE THE ISSUE OF THE USE OF WHIP .... WHIP TACTICS IN HORSERACING?
Can either of these gentlemen Stier and Morris ride?
If so, to what standard?
Have either of these gentlemen whilst riding, ever used a whip on a thoroughbred racehorse in training?
Are either of these gentlemen capable of riding in the British Derby for instance?
Or the Dubai World Cup?  



PROVEN TOP ATHLETES IN PRACTICE
KIEREN FALLON, FRANKIE DETTORI and RICHARD HUGHES are all supreme senior athletes working at the very top of their equine profession partnering champion thoroughbred racehorses in training in competition worldwide.

 VISA VERSA
BUSINESS and VETERINARY IN THEORY
JAMIE STIER and TIM MORRIS neither of these gentlemen are athletes, they may well be good within their own career focus, but are badly out of their depths here.


RESPONSIBLE BHA REGULATION?
 NOVEMBER 2010 - SEPTEMBER 2011 - OCTOBER 10th 2011
 ATTEMPTED IN THEORY ONLY?
"RESPONSIBLE REGULATION how can any of this ever be RESPONSIBLE REGULATION?

IN THEORY 
These New Whip Rules came into force on Monday October 10th 2011 just five days before the
 the very first Qipco Champions Day at Ascot our own Queen Elizabeth's Racecourse. (Saturday October 15th 2011) without any bloodhorse literate skill "IN PRACTICE" trials.

J Margaret Clarke Turfcall suggestion to rectify this seriously dangerous issue.

IN PRACTICE
MONTY ROBERTS, YOGI BREISNER and KELLY MARKS TO REPLACE
JAMIE STIER, TIM MORRIS AND OTHERS TO CARRY OUT A BLOODHORSE LITERATE WHIP REVIEW
 ALL BHA FINANCIAL WASTE OVER THE PAST YEAR PAID OUT TO STIER AND MORRIS AND OTHERS TO BE REFUNDED AND PAID BACK INTO THE POCKETS OF ALL HANDLER RIDERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED WITHIN TRAINERS TEAMS NATIONWIDE.


HORSERACING A UNIQUE AND REMARKABLE SPORT

Tuesday 11 October 2011

BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY KEY WHIP REGULATION FOUR DECADES LATE

PLEASE USE THIS LINK FOR NEWS ON WHIP TACTICS
http://www.turfcall2-racingpost.blogspot.com/


http://www.britishhorseracing.com/whip-review/

Racing
RESPONSIBLE REGULATION: A REVIEW OF THE USE OF THE WHIP IN HORSERACING
The British Horseracing Authority has concluded its wide-ranging and detailed Review into the use of the whip in Racing, which first commenced in November 2010. The report, Responsible Regulation: a Review of the use of the whip in Horseracing – has been published in full and is available here. The Review will lead to a significant tightening of the rules and penalties relating to the use of the whip by jockeys, as well as a renewed focus on jockey training, to ensure that the best equine welfare standards are maintained throughout the sport.


Whip Review
Download the full Review document

The report, put together by a Review Group set up specifically for this task by the Authority, has considered the underlying principles behind the use of the whip, how it is used in Racing, and how the Authority should continue to act as a strong, effective regulator in this area. The Review Group consulted the sport's participants (National Trainers Federation, Professional Jockeys Association, Racehorse Owners Association, Amateur Jockeys Association), the Racecourse Association, the British Racing School and Northern Racing College. It also consulted with recognised animal welfare bodies - the RSPCA, SSPCA and World Horse Welfare and undertook detailed statistical analysis.

The Review considered a range of scientific evidence relating to the effects of the whip on horses, as well as the energy-absorbing design of the whip itself. The Review Group engaged a leading sports research agency, SMG/YouGov, to undertake an in-depth, independent public opinion research project and took on board the views of individuals who submitted their thoughts to the Authority.

The Review Group made 19 recommendations, all of which were approved by the Board of the British Horseracing Authority. The main recommendations are:

    1. The use of the whip in Racing – providing strict controls are effectively enforced – remains appropriate and necessary for the safety of both jockeys and horses. Use of the whip to focus and concentrate a horse, and to encourage it to perform at its best, also remains appropriate providing the constraints on acceptable use set out in the Review are observed. The Review Group found that this approach is backed by current animal welfare science. 2. The current whip guidelines and penalties for those jockeys who breach the Rules on whip use are not an effective enough control and deterrent in their current form. Too many breaches of the Rules on whip use are occurring, and the Review Group believes that the Authority can better incentivise long-term behavioural change through a wide range of recommendations with this aim in mind, including:
    • The removal of frequency guidelines and the implementation of strict and easily understood limits on whip use – 7x in any Flat Racing and 8x in any Jump Racing (and only five times in the last furlong/after the last obstacle). This is roughly half the amount of times a whip could be used previously before being in breach of the Rules;
    • Increased entry point penalties – 5 day minimum suspension for not adhering to the frequency limits (the previous minimum penalty was a caution);
    • Forfeiture of riding fee and prize money percentage – a jockey who incurs a whip suspension of three days or more will forfeit his riding fee and percentage;
    • Increased penalties for those who breach the Rules on more than one occasion (second offence will be double that of a first offence);
    • The new Guidelines and Penalties will come into effect on Monday 10 October 2011.
    3. The Authority should continue to support research into the design of the whip and incorporate any future technological innovations into British Horseracing as appropriate if it is felt that equine welfare could be enhanced.
Paul Roy, Chairman of the British Horseracing Authority, welcomed the Review and said:

“This has been an incredibly wide-ranging piece of work, resulting in a comprehensive Review that the Authority is very proud of. The Board approved every one of the recommendations and the message is loud and clear – we will continue to lead the way in responsible regulation and will make difficult decisions in the best interests of the sport and its participants.”

Jamie Stier, Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation, said:

“This has been a painstakingly thorough Review and we would like to thank all those who took part. We accepted from the outset that it would be unrealistic to think that everyone would be pleased with whatever the final outcome was, but what was clear from virtually all those consulted was that the status quo could not be retained.

“The result is a clear set of Rules and Guidelines that lay down what is acceptable use of the whip, alongside a penalty structure which will act as an appropriate deterrent. We believe this will bring about real behavioural change without any detriment to the sport, which can only be good for British Racing.”

Professor Tim Morris, Director of Equine Science and Welfare, said:

“Use of the whip is, understandably, a sensitive issue. Safeguarding the welfare of racehorses is a priority for the Authority and we are committed to ensuring and enhancing horse welfare, taking an approach backed strongly by current animal welfare science. The thoroughness of this Review, and the conclusions it reaches, are yet further demonstrations of this commitment.”

Sir Henry CecilSir Henry Cecil, ten-times Champion Flat Trainer, said:

“The BHA has done an excellent, thorough job with their Review and I welcome these changes, which will hopefully serve British Racing well.”




Paul NichollsPaul Nicholls, Champion Jumps Trainer for the last six years, said:

“Whilst I’ve been a critic of the Rules in the past, nobody likes seeing misuse of the whip and I agree that the time had come when something had to be done. I am pleased that the BHA has made sensible and reasonable changes, and I am supportive of them.



AP McCoyAP McCoy, Champion Jumps Jockey for the last 16 years and reigning BBC Sports Personality of the Year, said:

“The PJA has worked closely with the Authority on the BHA’s Review and I hope my colleagues embrace the proposed changes as being in the best interest of the sport. I for one support the changes.”


Frankie DettoriFrankie Dettori, one of the most famous jockeys in the world and the Ambassador for the QIPCO British Champions Series, said:

“I am not proud of having fallen foul of the whip Rules in the past and I would never want to bring any harm to any horse. These new Rules are easy to understand which will help all jockeys ride within them. I accept these new Rules are in the best interest of our great sport and it is right that they should be in place in time for Britain’s new end of season finale, QIPCO British Champions Day.”

RELATED DOCUMENTS


BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY WHIP REVIEW 2010 - 2011

http://www.britishhorseracing.com/inside_horseracing/about/whatwedo/disciplinary/whipuse.asp

Whip Policy
The BHA recently carried out a full review of the use of the whip in British Horseracing. Read this review

Whip Use Rules
The technical rules on whip use by riders and the whips they are allowed to carry are as follows:

Schedule (B)6 - Use of Whip
The British Horseracing Authority will not tolerate abuse of the horse and consider its welfare, and the safety of the rider, to be paramount. The whip should be used for safety, correction and encouragement only and they therefore advise all riders to consider the following good ways of using the whip which are not exhaustive:
  1. Showing the horse the whip and giving it time to respond before hitting it.
  2. Using the whip in the backhand position for a reminder.
  3. Having used the whip, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again.
  4. Keeping both hands on the reins when using the whip down the shoulder in the backhand position.
  5. Using the whip in rhythm with the horse’s stride and close to its side.
  6. Swinging the whip to keep a horse running straight.
The British Horseracing Authority has asked Stewards of Meetings to consider holding an enquiry into any case where a rider has used his whip in such a way as to cause them concern and publish the following examples of uses of the whip which may be regarded as improper riding:
Hitting horses:
  • to the extent of causing injury;
  • with the whip arm above shoulder height;
  • rapidly without regard to their stride, i.e. twice or more in one stride;
  • with excessive force;
  • without giving the horse time to respond.
Hitting horses which are:
  • showing no response;
  • out of contention;
  • clearly winning;
  • past the winning post.
Hitting horses in any place except:
  • on the quarters with the whip in either the backhand or forehand position;
  • down the shoulder with the whip in the backhand position; unless very exceptional circumstances prevail.
Hitting horses:
  • with excessive frequency.
When examining cases of Excessive Frequency, the Stewards will consider all the relevant factors such as:
  1. Whether the number of hits was reasonable and necessary over the distance they were given, taking into account the horse’s experience;
  2. Whether the horse was continuing to respond and
  3. The degree of force that was used; the more times a horse has been hit the stricter will be the view taken over the degree of force which is reasonable.
It is emphasised that the use of the whip may be judged to be proper or improper in particular circumstances which have not been included above.
Horses will be subject to an inspection by a Veterinary Officer and he will report his findings to the Stewards; therefore trainers may be required to remove or adjust rugs or sheets.
It is further emphasised that under the Rules of Racing trainers have a responsibility for giving instructions to their riders, which should include instructions on the use of the whip, especially with horses which may weal and when employing apprentice or conditional jockeys. Owners who choose to give their riding instructions must accept a similar responsibility. Failure to give adequate instructions or giving instructions which if obeyed could or would lead to a violation of this Instruction will result in disciplinary action being taken against owners and trainers.
The British Horseracing Authority warns all riders that Stewards of Meetings have been asked to exercise fully their powers under Rules (B)12 and (B)54.3 of the Rules of Racing in all cases of misuse of the whip, which the British Horseracing Authority regards as improper riding.
Further, they warn owners, trainers and riders that severe disciplinary action will be taken against any person who is found to be in breach of this Instruction resulting in serious injury to any horse.
To read our Guide to Penalties and Procedures which sets out the Racecourse Stewards' procedures following interference, the penalties and the whip rules, please click here
Rule (D)37 and Schedule (D)2 - Whip Specifications
Only whips which have been approved by a panel nominated by the British Horseracing Authority will satisfy compliance with Rule (D)37. In approving any such whip, a panel will have regard to all the specifications set out below including the mandatory shock absorbing characteristics.
The whips have been designed, constructed and approved for either Flat or Jump races and are only to be carried in those races for which they have been approved. For Flat races, a max length of 70cms for Jump races, a max length of 68cms.
  1. Maximum length, including flap, of 68 cms;
  2. Minimum diameter of 1 cm.

    The only additional feature which may be attached to the whip is a flap. If a flap is attached it must fall within the specifications below:
  3. A maximum length of flap from the end of the shaft of 10 cms;
  4. A maximum width of the flap of 4 cms, with a minimum width of 2 cms;
  5. The flap from the end of the shaft must not contain any reinforcements or additions.
  6. There shall be no binding within 23 cms of the end of the flap;
  7. The contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm;
  8. The flap must have similar shock absorbing characteristics to that of the contact area;
  9. The weight must not exceed 160 gms.

Thursday 6 October 2011

BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY (BHA) UNVEIL TOUGH NEW WHIP RULES TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27th 2011

HORSERACING AUTHORITY (BHA)
BHA Unveil Tough New Whip Rules
On September 27th The British Horseracing Authority unveiled the much debated Whip Review that has been taking place for the last 10 months. The review included sections on 'How the Whip is Currently Used in Racing', 'The Scientific Evidence Base', 'The Whip: Energy Absorbing Design', 'Public Opinion Research', 'The Penalty System' and 'Jockey Training' to name but a few. This has been the result of an in depth and extremely thorough investigation into use of the whip since November 2010.

The review, in turn, has initiated various rule changes concerning use of the whip that will be implemented from October 10th. These rules state that Jockeys riding on the flat will be able to use their whip seven times throughout the entire race, while National Hunt Jockeys will be able to use the whip eight times with a maximum of five times after the last obstacle or in the final furlong. In addition, punishments have also become more stringent with with a minimum five day ban administered for excessive use of the whip. For more details on the Whip Review click on the link below.


INFO THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMIE STIER

Wednesday 5 October 2011

THE BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY (BHA) CLASH OVER THEIR PROPOSED NEW WHIP RULING. WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5th 2011

J MARGARET CLARKE TURFCALL
BHA OUT OF TUNE WITH TRUE TOP LICENSED SENIOR  BLOODHORSE LITERATE RACE RIDERS' (Horsemen)

Please use this link for further info.
http://turfcall2-racingpost.blogspot.com/2011/10/racing-post-wednesday-october-5th-2011.html