My simple suggestion for fixing the whip rules makes so much sense not even the BHA can disagree with me

A SIMPLE tweak of the whip rules over jumps would massively help riders and give punters more confidence in the sport of horse racing.

Everyone knows by now that on many levels I would like to question the whip rules with the powers that be, but the BHA have refused to debate this subject with me and thus by closing their door to the public it’s impossible to inform or sensibly debate the topic.

Sportsfile

That said, I believe no one in racing would disagree with what I’m about to suggest, and that includes the BHA.

Perhaps this is the moment we harmonise together in sense and peace.

The performance of Trelawne at Wetherby on Saturday clearly showed everything that is wrong with one particular aspect of the whip rules over jumps.

On the Flat, in a race over 5f, jockeys can use their whip six times.

Over jumps, where they could gallop over four miles, riders can use their whip seven times.

There is no logic to that.

Trelawne was tricky for David Bass at Wetherby, hanging badly right and getting a reminder as early as before the eighth fence. He needed reminders from time to time after that.

However, he didn’t get as many as he actually should have done, as Bass would have been conscious he would use his quota up and have nothing for the finish.

Bridle horses are not what jumps racing is all about. Not every horse can be Harchibald or score with the ease of Constitution Hill. Indeed, most need pushing and driving.

It’s absolutely bonkers having a whip rule where a rider gets their mount motivated in the early part of a race but then is not able to use their whip if needed for the finish.

This could so easily be changed.

Let’s face facts here, the whip rules – nothing to do with welfare – are all about public perception and it’s in a finish that is highlighted.

If Flat jockeys can use their whip six times in a five furlong race, then just change the jumps rules that National Hunt jockeys can use their stick six times in the final five furlongs.

Outside of that, within reason, they should be allowed to use their whip freely, although of course monitored and within reason.

Most will only ever use it in the closing stages.

This is such a simple change but would make every jumps jockey’s life much easier.

Punters would also be secure that if their mount is recalcitrant early in a race they would still be able to be given a ride in a finish.

It’s so simple it will never happen!

Meanwhile, it really hit home for me this week just how much ‘analysis is a strange thing.

Everyone has a different opinion. That’s what makes the game fascinating.

Harry Cobden came in for some stick at Kempton on Saturday, but in both cases I thought the opposite. It’s a game of opinions.

Chianti Classico raced wide under Cobden in the handicap chase and was beaten two lengths by Flegmatik.

There’s no doubt Chianti Classico went the long route, but that was relatively understandable with an inexperienced horse who might enjoy some daylight at his fences.

Whatever the case, even if Chanti Classico had raced inside of Flegmatik the result would have been the same. Flegmatik hacked up. Simples.

Then, Pic D’Orhy was defeated by Banbridge in the Silviniaco Conti Chase.

It was a fabulous performance from the winner considering how well Pic Pic D’Orhy travelled and jumped for much of the race.

Banbridge was clearly going to win the race from between the last two fences, so Cobden had no choice but to try and go for everything at the last and not only gain a length but also possibly unsettle Banbridge.

It didn’t work. Pic D’Orhy put in an extra stride and lost ground.

But again it made no difference to the result and was the only way Cobden could have won.

In all honesty, even if Pic D’Orhy had flown it he would have been beaten anyway.

As I have said, analysis is an odd thing and many of you will disagree with mine.

But you have to believe in your own judgement. Your eyes are the most powerful tool when considering form.

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