From Sept. 1, the whip must not be used in consecutive strides of the horse at any stage of the race.

This change will have the most effect at the end of the race since, at present, riders can use their own discretion over the last 100m, though there will also be some impact on already tight restrictions on the use of the whip up till the final stages.

The changes followed a period of wide consultation by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing [NZTR] around the use of the whip, involving both industry participants and the general public.

“The consultation recognized previous rule changes to restrict the use of the whip in New Zealand, comparison with overseas jurisdictions, and community perceptions, which is a driver of future public engagement and investment in racing,” NZTR GM Welfare & Sustainability Martin Burns said.

The NZTR Board, noting how well New Zealand jockeys had adapted to past changes, and considering detailed analysis of current average whip use in flat races, supported the change to non-consecutive use which will mostly affect the final 100 meters of a race.

“Throughout the process, we have had constructive and positive engagement from the New Zealand Jockeys' Association,” Burns said. “Our participants are well aware of the need to ensure racing remains attractive and relevant to the widest possible audience. “

Leading jockey Lisa Allpress, a four-time NZ premiership winner, said she was confident that the riders would quickly adapt to the changes and that the changes would not reduce the sport's competitiveness.

“There has been a significant shift in the use of the whip in recent years and these changes will sustain that momentum,” Allpress said.

The rule changes and the subsequent penalties for breaches of these have been circulated to the NZ Jockeys' Association and will be available on the NZTR website.

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The pair, who are living out their retirement at Highden Park near Palmerston North, have become New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Welfare Ambassadors and will start to visit New Zealand race tracks next Sunday to promote horse welfare post-racing.

“It is a new concept through NZTR,” said Libby Bleakley, who owns Highden Park with husband Sam. “Welfare has become such a big issue and we all need to put it to the forefront when we are breeding and racing these animals.

“They will just be called upon when needed. They will head to their first event next Sunday at the Wanganui racecourse.”

Bleakley is excited about the new concept and said it will give the two former stars of the track the opportunity to help grow the profile of the sport.

“It's such a privilege and it wasn't something we were anticipating when we rehomed the boys,” Bleakley said. “These horses love having something to do, they love having a job. They look after weanlings for us and they go on the truck to keep mares company, and I think they will thrive with this next step.”

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