Changes to Australia’s whip rules will go into effect on 1 December as previously planned despite suggestions by jockeys that their opinions were not considered before the rules were changed.
In the rule amendment, the distinction between forehand and backhand strikes was removed, limiting jockeys to a total of five hits before the 100 meter mark. The amendment also stated harsher penalties for whip offences would be introduced, especially for offences in stakes races.
Racing Australia Thursday published a letter from chairman John Messara that was sent to all jockeys that outlined the timeline of the rule changes and explained the organization’s position.
“I believe that Racing Australia has consulted adequately and fairly considered the submissions from the [Australian Jockeys Association],” said Messara in the letter. “I believe that the AJA mistakenly believes that we have not been consultative when, in fact, it is just that we have not been persuaded to the AJA’s view on the matter.”
“I do not believe that Racing Australia is being ‘heavy-handed’ on this or any other matter,” he continued. “It is simply exerting leadership in protecting the racing industry from external attack and modernizing the rules to reflect society’s expectations. We want racing to retain its independence and its position as a mainstream sport in what is now a very competitive environment.”
The AJA responded in a statement, which read in part, “Racing Australia can say it consulted with the AJA as outlined in its letter, but the outcome of any consultation that has taken place with the AJA would indicate it took no notice of any part of our submissions and that they had already formed a view.”
“Racing Australia appears to the AJA to have adopted a position of being supportive of rule amendments irrespective of any consultation with the AJA,” the statement continued. “This concern is shared by other stakeholders. Our subsequent submissions and approaches have been rejected.”
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