Horse racing crackdown as whip rules to be introduced in time for Cheltenham Festival

Cheltenham Festival will observe the new whip rules that will be implemented in 2023. Jockeys will not be sanctioned for breaking the rules until February 6th. The new rules include disqualification to jockeying who strike their whip more than four times. Riders are permitted to use their whips eight times in a jump race and seven times on Flat racing. They could also be banned for 28 days for major races. The decision on the revised rules was made after an investigation into animal welfare by the independent Horse Welfare Board in 2020. A Whip Consultation Steering Group was formed to propose the recommendations.