The Guvnor...

Answer me this – which is better: a horse bursting from the stalls (or in National Hunt terms jumping off from the drop of the flag) to make all and win. Or a driving, neck and neck finish where two or more horse and jockey combinations pit their skills and strength against each other every inch of the to decide the victor?

Already the divisions in opinion can be heard rippling across the worldwide web. This year alone, there have been many examples of both – across the two spheres of the sport – that have kept disciples of the turf enthralled. There was Frankel’s demolition of the Guineas field. And Hurricane Fly winning the Champion Hurdle on the snap. This contrasted with Ruby Walsh galvanising Final Approach to win at the same Cheltenham meeting. Or Pour Moi delivering a very late charge to capture the Derby at Epsom.

The thing is, due to the new whip regulations that have been (wrongly and needlessly in my view) introduced across the water, the thrilling head to head climax could soon be a thing of the past. Racing will be much the poorer and less attractive if they are allowed to stay in situ. And the latter in particular is hardly something the industry can afford in these trying times.

Here’s what they are trying to force through over yonder: A jockey may only give a horse a reminder eight times during an NH contest (one less on the Flat) and the stipulation becomes even more bizarre when one considers that five of those blows can be delivered after the last obstacle or in the final furling of a contest on the level. It even sounds crazy and surely cannot be allowed to ensue.

Banning the use of an assisting tool altogether would be better than the muddle the BHA has rushed through. Neither that, nor what they have imposed upon the Racing public is needed or desired, by a lot of people anyway. You’ll always have a minority of naysayers like those who whinge about Aintree Grand National every year. The majority of the sport’s genuine followers will understand.

No, I am not a sadist. Nor am I or would I ever advocate animal cruelty. Jockeys aren’t idiots though. Indeed, they often have a very deep affection for and affinity with the equine partners who enable them to earn a living. No rider – or self respecting person of any kind for that matter – would knowingly or willingly hurt a horse.

Even to call what riders use a ‘whip’ is misleading though. It is a padded, cushioned persuader, nothing more, nothing less. Horses are not systematically beaten. In fact, the only whip, per se, that existed in the sport was one in the possession of the assistant starter to at least try and ensure fractious animals take part in contests. That official would hardly be likely to abuse the implement and banning its use is equally as absurd as the regulations and penalties that are, needlessly in my view, being imposed upon jockeys.

Remember, to many people Racing is a business. I am in the fortunate position of being a journalist and also having a connection of sorts to a few horses. When you are in the latter position, you very quickly see both sides of the game. Unfortunately, too close a contact has been had with the dreaded tendon injury – the bane and greatest fear of everyone in the sport.

The bad days sadly often outweigh the good. Thus, when you have one good enough to win a race, in your mind at least, and actually in a position to do so, if one or two reminders from his pilot will make the difference, most Racing people are trusting and knowledgeable enough to know that jockeys will not abuse their animals.

It’s a very expensive pastime though. Even when things are going well. Prize money is down enough as it is, so every bit that can be garnered has to be grabbed. Races and money are going to be lost owing to these new guidelines. And if people start losing money – at any time, but especially in current economic circumstances – people will drift away from the Sport of Kings. Neither as a sport or an industry can that be afforded.