AN INCREASE in penalties for misuse of the whip could be in place later this year following a “clear, minimum recommendation” on the subject in the publication of the independent Horse Welfare Board’s (HWB) five-year strategy for the sport.

The document contains 20 recommendations, including how the sport can engage with the public and address misconceptions, and said action on the issue of jockeys’ use of the whip should be taken “as quickly as possible and ideally by the end of October 2020.”

As part of what will be a consultation period undertaken by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the HWB said “particular consideration” should be given to “use of the whip over shoulder height, where evidence suggests that greater deterrents are required, and whip modification offences, penalties for which are felt to be inadequate.”

Increased penalties for repeat or multiple offences by the same jockey should also be considered.

The HWB advises consultation on penalties should seek views and ideas on imposition of fines and/or suspensions for jockeys, and prize-money sanctions.

In response, the BHA board has accepted all the recommendations in the HWB report, including consultation on the rules and penalties for misuse of the whip when riding and an increase in penalties as a minimum measure.