‘This is a disaster’ – Paul Nicholls hits out at ‘insane’ new whip rules as racing civil war breaks out
CHAMPION trainer Paul Nicholls has lashed out at ‘disastrous’ new whip rules in racing.
And he has demanded any changes be postponed until after the spring festivals as unrest grows over the ‘insane’ new guidelines.
Sun Racing columnist Chapman reported that Cobden and Bowen would have each got 24-day bans for their brilliant winning rides under ‘insane’ new whip rules
Nicholls was among the many calling out the ‘disastrous’ new guidelines
Nicholls, who netted a 102-1 treble at Cheltenham Trials Day, responded to a tweet from Sun Racing columnist Matt Chapman.
Chappers, who said in his latest column that the rules had left champion jockey Brian Hughes ‘shaken’, revealed the hypothetical bans two jockeys could potentially have got under the new guidelines.
It’s believed Harry Cobden could have been liable for a 24-day ban for his brilliant winning ride on Nicholls’ Il Rodoto.
Similarly, Sean Bowen could have left himself open to a potential 24-day ban for his thrilling win on Back On The Lash, owned by Harry Redknapp.
The British Horseracing Authority denied this was the case.
Both races took place on Trials Day and, as Chappers says, the rides were ‘seen as genius by the public’.
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Responding to news of the potential bans, Nicholls tweeted: “Two fantastic top rides. How they can get bans is beyond me. Cobden excelled on Il Ridoto.
“This all needs postponing until after the spring festivals otherwise this is all going to be a disaster for the sport. For once common sense needs to prevail.”
Similarly, a tweet from the account of big owners the McNeil family said the hypothetical bans were ‘ridiculous’ and ‘obscene’.
The implementation of the new whip rules has been pushed back until February 13, when they will come into full force one month before the start of Cheltenham Festival.
The controversial backhand-only rule has been scrapped, but the number of times a jockey can use a whip has been reduced by one from six on the Flat to seven over jumps.
Penalties will also be introduced for using the whip above shoulder height – with disqualification the most severe punishment.
Top jockey Sean Quinlan said he threw away his whip altogether in one race after working out he would have been banned for 51 days under the new rules.
The BHA denied the speculation on potential bans was accurate.
A tweet from their official account read: “The BHA is aware of information being posted on social media speculating about potential ‘suspensions’ under the new whip rules.
“Please note this information is not accurate as the Whip Review Committee have not yet met this week to consider the rides in the period 16 – 29 Jan.
“Also, a reminder that no suspensions are being imposed at present.
“The purpose of the bedding-in period is to provide riders with information as to where adaptations to riding style might be needed ahead of full implementation of the rules on 13 Feb.”
GettyNicholls warned the sport is heading for ‘disaster’ with the new whip rules[/caption]
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