Whip protests a thing of the past after Racing Australia intervention

The ability to protest for overuse of the whip has been removed, with the Racing Australia board resolving to amend the rules of racing.

The move, which comes into effect on October 1, was made due to the ambiguity of whip protests which again flared after the running of last month’s Aurie’s Star at Flemington.

The Tony Gollan-trained Boomtown Boss was first across the line but connections of the runner-up, the Grahame Begg-trained and Luke Cartwright ridden Royal Insignia, fired in a protest.

They alleged Boomtown Boss’ jockey Daniel Moor had cost Royal Insignia the Group 3 race after using the whip in four consecutive strides prior to the 100m mark.

Racing Victoria stewards dismissed the protest, but suspended Moor for 10 meetings and fined him $3500 for the breach. 

In announcing the rule change on Wednesday, Racing Australia said “determining a protest for an alleged breach was largely subjective with any objective component not readily achievable”.

“The removal of the whip protest rule will not diminish any whip use deterrent effect having regard to the severe penalties that stewards can impose for flagrant and significant breaches of the whip rules,” Racing Australia said in a statement.

“This decision brings Australia into line with the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) position through its International Rule Harmonisation Committee.”

Changes have been made to AR 219 regarding protests to reflect the new position on whip protests.