BHA answers criticism from RSPCA

The British Horseracing Authority has defended its changes to the whip regulations in the wake of criticism from the RSPCA.

The animal welfare body described the new moves as "a backward step" and "a black day for the racing industry", and complained about a lack of consultation ahead of the alterations announced following a BHA board meeting on Tuesday.

BHA communications consultant John Maxse said: "I'd want to make the point that the BHA's commitment to horse welfare remains as strong as it has ever been."

He went on: "First and foremost the BHA greatly values the relationship it has with David Muir and the RSPCA and there are forthcoming meetings scheduled in the near future at which we look forward to discussing a range of issues with them, including the whip.

"The areas in question regarding the changes primarily relate to incidents at the very margin of whether a rider's use of the whip is in breach or not. Areas in that margin do not pose any kind of threat to the welfare of the horse.

"It is important to say there is absolutely no slight on the RSPCA or any other welfare body in relation to the absence of a form of consultation prior to Tuesday's announcement. The only organisation with whom the BHA held any kind of form of consultation was the Professional Jockeys Association.

"The RSPCA were not intentionally left out, nor were the National Trainers Federation, or the Racehorse Owners Association. Such was the extensive nature of the consultation that went into the Whip Review, we have, on record, the positions of all of those parties."

Paul Struthers, chief executive of the PJA, added: "We cannot comprehend how they (the RSPCA) can justifiably say that 'jockeys are once again allowed to use the whip excessively without a relatively strong preventative punitive element'.

"This flies in the face of the evidence - even under the revised guidelines and penalties, whip use is now hugely reduced from previously and with far stiffer punishments that will continue to act as an efficient deterrent and appropriate and proportionate sanction.

"It therefore goes without saying that we are deeply disappointed by the RSPCA's statement, and believe the baseless, emotional rhetoric contained within it does them a disservice."