Penalties imposed for excessive whip use in French horse racing

Jockeys in France Face Immediate Disqualification for Excessive Whip Use

In a bid to combat whip abuse, France Galop has announced new regulations that will come into effect on September 1. Jockeys who use their whip nine times or more during races in France will face immediate disqualification. The aim of these revised rules is to further strengthen the deterrence against such abusive practices.

France already had stringent limits on whip use, with only four strokes allowed as the maximum since May of this year. However, starting next month, any jockey who exceeds this limit by five strikes will be disqualified by the raceday stewards. This disqualification will occur before any bets placed on the race are paid out.

The British Horseracing Authority made similar amendments to its rules earlier in 2023. In jumps racing, jockeys are allowed seven strikes with the whip, while on flat tracks they can use it up to six times. Any rider exceeding these limits by four or more strikes faces disqualification as well. However, unlike in France where immediate action is taken on raceday, British cases are reviewed by the Whip Review Committee which meets twice a week.

Since these changes were implemented in Britain, there have been few instances of disqualifications due to excessive whip use. Notably though, Jim Crowley received a 20-day ban and was fined £10,000 after using the whip nine times aboard Hukum during his victory at the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The decision to implement stricter regulations regarding whip use reflects an ongoing commitment within horse racing authorities to promote fair and ethical treatment of horses during races.