Using whips in racing

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s vision for thoroughbred welfare

“A thoroughbred should be provided a good life, with the care and conditions that will allow the horse to thrive and perform to its natural abilities.”

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing recognises that animal welfare perception concerning whip use is creating on-going debate internationally.  The call for a ban on whip use in racing is gaining momentum with many within the industry agreeing it is not a matter of whether this will occur, rather when. Until that time NZTR will continue to ensure that the provisions and guidelines around whip use are enforced.

The racing community considers that whip use is necessary for:
  • Safety - as a measure to steer the horse and minimise potential collisions and falls
  • Integrity - encouraging due effort from the horse if used when in winning contention or achieving a stakes bearing position.
Current rules and guidelines limit whip use and are regularly reviewed in collaboration with the Racing Integrity Unit (RIU), veterinarians and the New Zealand Trainers’ and Jockeys’ Associations.

Currently, the whip rule and guidelines state that a rider shall not strike a horse with a whip in a manner or to an extent that is unnecessary, excessive or improper; nor strike a horse forward of its shoulder.

Rule 638(3) A Rider shall not: [...] (b) strike a horse with a whip in a manner or to an extent which is:

i                       (i) unnecessary, or

ii                     (ii) excessive, or

iii                   (iii) improper

 

Without affecting the generality of Rule 638(3)(b), a rider may be penalised if their whip use is outside of the following guidelines:

 

Flat Races

Prior to the 100-metre mark in a race, official trial or jump out:

i                       (i) The whip should not be used on more than 5 occasions.

ii                     (ii) The whip should not be used in consecutive strides.

iii                   (iii) The rider may at their discretion use the whip with a slapping motion down the shoulder, with the whip hand remaining on the reins.

 

In the final 100 metres, the whip may be used at the Rider’s discretion.

 

Hurdle and Steeplechase Races

Prior to the 100-metre mark in a race, official trial or schooling event:

i                       (i) The whip should not be used on more than 10 occasions.

ii                     (ii) The whip should not be used in consecutive strides.

iii                   (iii) The rider may at their discretion use the whip with a slapping motion down the shoulder, with the whip hand remaining on the reins.

 

In the final 100 metres, the whip may be used at the Rider’s discretion, but not in consecutive strides.

 

Notwithstanding the above, it will also be deemed to be unacceptable where a rider uses the drawn whip:

i                       (i) when a horse is out of contention.

ii                     (ii) when a horse is showing no response.

iii                   (iii) when a horse has no reasonable prospect of improving or losing its position.

iv                   (iv) when a horse is clearly winning.

v                     (v) after passing the winning post.

vi                   (vi) using the whip with the arm above shoulder height.

vii                 (vii) causing injury to the horse.

Amateur Races

In races for Amateur Riders only, the whip may not be used in the drawn position. It may only be used in a slapping motion down the shoulder with the whip hand remaining on the reins.

 

Other Persons

A trainer, owner or their 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 the whip guidelines [Rule 802(1) applies].

 

Rule Relating to Directives:

 

802     (1)       A person commits a breach of these Rules who:

 

(a)       acts in contravention of or fails to comply with any provision of these Rules or any Regulations made thereunder, or any policy, notice, direction, instruction, guideline, restriction, requirement or condition given, made or imposed under these Rules;


The current whip has been in use since 2009, and is much wider and more padded than the previous standard, but it makes a much louder noise than its predecessor.
Current Whip
Current Whip


Old Whip
Old Whip

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing will:
  • Ensure that the general provisions and specific guidelines of the whip rule are appropriately updated and can be consistently interpreted and enforced
  • Ensure continued guidance and training, particularly for apprentices, on ‘hands and heels’ riding skills to minimise an over-reliance on whip use
  • Investigate the availability and practical use of new technology such as whips with data loggers and accelerometers, to provide objective data on whip use during racing.