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Tuesday | 09 February 2010 Racing Victoria Limited's Official Home which contains all thoroughbred racing information within the Victorian Racing Industry
 

New Australian Whip Rules

Print this page Wednesday 16.12.2009

The new Australian Rule of Racing 137A, which takes effect from 1 August 2009, imposes a number of restrictions on the use of the whip and the manner in which can be used in races and trials.

Follow the links below for more information on the new whip rules.
 
Your Questions Answered
 
 
Watch the video explaining the new whip rule
 
 
Padded Whip Specifications

NEW WHIP RULES EFFECTIVE 1 AUGUST 2009 AND AMENDED 26 SEPTEMBER 2009
 
AR 137A
 
  1.  
    1. Only padded whips of a design and specifications approved by a panel appointed by the Australian Racing Board may be carried in races, official trials or jump-outs.
    2. Every such whip must be in a satisfactory condition and must not be modified in any way.
    3. The Stewards may confiscate any whip which in their opinion is not in a satisfactory condition or has been modified.
    4. Any rider who has been found guilty of a breach of this subrule may be penalised. Provided that the master and/or other person who is in charge of an apprentice jockey at the relevant time may also be penalised unless he satisfies the Stewards that he took all proper care to ensure the apprentice complied with the rule.

  2. Only whips of a design and specifications approved by a panel appointed by the Australian Racing Board may be carried in trackwork.

  3. The Stewards may penalise any rider who in a race, official trial, jump-out or trackwork, or elsewhere uses his whip in an excessive, unnecessary or improper manner.

  4. Without affecting the generality of subrule (3) of this rule, the Stewards may penalise any rider who in a race, official trial or jump-out uses his whip: -
    1. forward of his horse’s shoulder or in the vicinity of its head; or
    2. using an action that raises his arm above shoulder height; or
    3. when his horse is out of contention; or
    4. when his horse is showing no response; or
    5. after passing the winning post; or
    6. causing injury to his horse; or
    7. when his horse is clearly winning; or
    8. has no reasonable prospect of improving or losing its position, or
    9. in such manner that the seam of the flap is the point of contact with the horse, unless the rider satisfies the Stewards that this was neither deliberate nor reckless.

    1. In a race, official trial or jump-out prior to the 100 metre mark:
      1. The whip shall not be used in a forehand manner in consecutive strides;
      2. The whip shall not be used in a forehand manner more than on 5 occasions; and
      3. The rider may at his discretion use the whip with a slapping motion down the shoulder, with the whip hand remaining on the reins, or alternatively in a backhand manner.
    2. In the final 100 metres of a race, official trial or jump-out, a rider may, subject to the other requirements of this rule, use his whip at his discretion.
    [amended 26/9/09]

  6. [rescinded 26/9/09]

    1. Any trainer, owner or authorised agent must not give instructions to a rider regarding the use of the whip which, if carried out, might result in a breach of this rule.
    2. No person may offer inducements to a rider, to use the whip in such a way that, if carried out, might result in a breach of this rule.

  8. Any person who fails to comply with any provisions of this rule is guilty of an offence

  9. An owner or his authorised representative, trainer, rider or Steward may lodge an objection against the placing of a horse where the rider during the race contravenes AR 137A(3) or (5). [amended 26/9/09]

 
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