September 15, 2009

The Australian Jockeys' Association and the Australian Racing Board have reached agreement over controversial whip rules introduced on August 1.

The jockeys can whip their mounts only on alternate strides inside the final 200 metres of a race, but they can now use the whip a total of seven times in the final 100 metres.

They were previously restricted under rules introduced on August 1 to three consecutive strikes on one occasion inside the final 200 metres before thereafter being able to use the whip on every second stride.

The jockeys objected to the rules, and they went on strike last Thursday after the ARB had rejected their submission to be allowed unlimited strikes inside the final 100 metres of a race.

They had threatened to take further industrial action this week, including rolling strikes that would affect the multi-million-dollar spring carnival.

The AJA and the ARB hailed the agreement as a win for common sense.

Victorian jockeys representative Ross Inglis was relieved that jockeys could whip their mounts up to seven times in the final hundred metres at their own discretion.

"We are hopeful this rule will be implemented by Saturday," Inglis said.

"I wouldn't say it's a big win, maybe a short half-head.

"This also removes the threat of any possible industrial action in relation to racing around Australia.

The new rule is subject to a review in February, but champion hoop Damien Oliver said it would be approved.

"We just wanted some of our discretion to use the whip depending on how the horse was responding to it," Oliver said.

ARB chairman Bob Bentley said the agreement should have been reached earlier.

"It was locking horns on a situation we could have probably resolved earlier," Bentley said.

"What we have done now is give the jockeys choice when they get to the 100 metres. It is now their choice how they use those seven strikes."

A panel will be appointed to redraft penalties, with repeat offenders referred to remedial training.

All running rails will now be painted from the 200 metres to the winning post to ensure rules are enforced.