The new whip rules introduced throughout Australia on August 1 have the potential for major controversy over the spring carnival, says Victorian Jockeys' Association (VJA) director Ross Ingliss.The rules faced their first challenge on Thursday when jockeys Brad Rawiller and Dale Smith and South Australian apprentice Lauren Stojakovic had their four-day suspensions for breaching them quashed by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RADB).Ingliss said he could envisage a number of problems wi
The new whip rules introduced throughout Australia on August 1 have the potential for major controversy over the spring carnival, says Victorian Jockeys' Association (VJA) director Ross Ingliss.
The rules faced their first challenge on Thursday when jockeys Brad Rawiller and Dale Smith and South Australian apprentice Lauren Stojakovic had their four-day suspensions for breaching them quashed by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RADB).
Ingliss said he could envisage a number of problems with the new rules, especially with the rich prizemoney on offer during the spring carnival.
"They are potentially unworkable unless made simpler," he said.
"We are going to try to make it work, but I'd be surprised if we get through the spring carnival without a major issue."
Under the new whip rules, horses can only be struck five times before the 200m and only once for three consecutive strides in the last 200m.
Ingliss said the rule regarding the last 200m might have to be changed to horses being struck once every second stride.
"No-one at the VJA supports excessive use of the whip. The jockeys don't," Ingliss said.
"I envisage a number of problems with the new rules and the penalties are a bit harsh, especially in the transitional stage as many jockeys have been riding for 10, 20, 30 years under the old rules."
Rawiller, Smith and Stojakovic all had their penalties varied in part on Thursday.
All had pleaded guilty and Rawiller, who had already served his suspension after not applying for a stay of proceedings pending the appeal, and Smith forfeited their winning percentage and riding fee which totalled $846.50 each.
The RADB ruled that the far less experienced Stojakovic only had to forfeit 50 per cent of her winning percentage and riding fee of $585.25.
Last Sunday, Smith and Rawiller were the first jockeys in Victoria to be penalised for breaches of the new rules.
Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) stewards said Smith struck his mount Betty's Belle for at least 14 consecutive strides over the last 200 metres of the 0-68 Hcp (1013m) at Sale last Thursday.
Stewards said Rawiller struck his mount Forever Fight, who won by a short head, for eight consecutive strides in the 0-68 Hcp (1400m) at Cranbourne last Sunday.
They said Stojakovic used her whip on her mount Slippery Madam on at least 10 occasions prior to the final 200m in the Maiden Plate (1200m) at Swan Hill on Monday.
The three horses won their respective races.