Towcester awaits BHA whip verdict

Towcester's decision to ban jockeys from hitting their mounts with the whip appears unlikely to be ratified by the British Horseracing Authority in the immediate future.

Directors at the Northamptonshire venue want all races to be run under the same regulations as those which accompany the apprentice hands and heels series at their jumps meetings from 5 October. Should the move be passed, jockeys would be allowed to carry whips but only use them in front of the saddle.

The BHA had already announced a review of whip use following complaints after the victory of Ballabriggs in the Grand National. Winning rider Jason Maguire picked up a five-day ban for excessive use, yet was allowed to keep the race. Towcester's initiative cannot be implemented without approval. A BHA spokesman said: "This is certainly not something that can happen without the permission and agreement of the BHA."