FROM THE SHERIFF'S DESK: JOCKEYS STEPPING OUTSIDE THEIR BOUNDARIES ON WHIP RULE ISSUE

By John Schreck | Thursday, November 26, 2015

John Schreck, a former Chief Steward in both Sydney and Hong Kong, has seen both the colourful and the dark sides of racing. His wealth of experience in racing matters across the board is unquestioned and the reputation he built as a racing ‘lawman’ remains firmly entrenched in racing’s history. HRO welcomes John Schreck to the team of resident bloggers in the knowledge that, whether you agree with him or not, his opinion piece will always give the reader food for thought. This is the first offering of Shreck’s personal blog, ‘From the Sheriff’s Desk', exclusive to HRO’

My overview of the whip rule saga is a simple one.

Back in 2009, when the new whip rule became a contentious issue, I think the Racing Board back then was very weak.

They should have stuck with their original decision and I’m certain they will stick with their decision this time in terms of the whip rule amendment which is due to come into force on December 1.

Jockeys should remember that they really have no right to be deciding how whips can be used. They must be consulted on the issue but they must also realise the final decision is not theirs.

Jockeys have every right to have an input into the type of whip they use and of course they must have input into the helmet they wear but, as far as whip use is concerned, they are stepping outside their boundaries and they ought not to be doing so.

That is a regulation matter, pure and simple.

Racing regulators are given the job of administering the sport. The jockeys are talking about going on strike because they are not happy with some certain rule which is just plain dreadful. If they want to go on strike they should be allowed to do so.

They made a lot of noise in 2009 but most jockeys adapted to the rule that was put in place. They will adapt to the rules again this time.

It just has to be remembered that racing is coming under more and more public scrutiny so far as animal welfare is concerned. That is a fact and whether jockeys like it or not they must be aware of that.

Anyone who doubts the strength and power of the animal welfare lobby should simply go ask the fur industry.

Having said that a whip is an essential tool of the jockey’s trade and is an aid in maintaining control of the horse, a point I think even the anti-whip brigade would concede.

**************************************************************************************************

Currently a jockey can protest if he believes a rival has broken the whip rule to beat him.

The first thing I will say in relation to that is that it is important that there not be a rule that even talks about such a protest being allowed to be put in.

That rule ought to be taken out of the book.

That’s the first thing that should be done but, whilst the rule is there, I would defy anybody to determine a whip rule protest and uphold it for all sorts of different reasons.

It is so terribly, terribly intangible whereas with a protest involving interference you can actually measure it.

You can’t do that with the whip rule and the protest option should be taken out of the book straight away.

**************************************************************************************************

On the jockey’s side, I think jockeys are entitled to be aggrieved about the new helmet situation depending on the amount of consultation they have had.

Jockey’s weren’t given enough say in the body protectors that they use ... or the safety vest, as they should be called. They should get a lot of say in the helmets they wear.

I haven’t seen the ones they will be using but I’m told they are big and bulky and I’ve also been told there is no custom fit for individuals ... that helmets only come in certain sizes.

If that is the case that is poor form. It is deplorable.

*************************************************************************************************

So, there is a very big difference between the way racing rules and racing gear should be managed.

in so far as helmets, saddles, stirrups and all that sort of stuff is concerned, jockeys should be consulted and listened to on these matters because it is their lives that are involved and they should be consulted on every level.

They know more about this aspect of racing than any university professor.

But, so far as rules and the implementation of rules are concerned, that is a matter for the administrators and, once a decision has been made, jockeys should stay out of it.

Feedback on this article is welcome at editor@horseracingonly.com.au