THE RACING POST THURSDAY OCTOBER 27th 2011 CALLING THE BHA TO ACCOUNT FOR WHAT THEY TERM RESPONSIBLE REGULATION

THE RACING POST THURSDAY OCTOBER 27th 2011

RACING POST WEEK MONDAY OCTOBER 24th TO SUNDAY OCTOBER 30th 2011

THIS LINK CHALLENGES THE BHA WHIP REVIEW
http://turfcall2.blogspot.com/2011/10/british-horseracing-authority.html

TODAY'S CARDS: Lingfield, Stratford, Fontwell, Kempton Park and Clonmel.

GRAHAN GREEN "MP's to summon leading figures in whip dispute

"The controversy surrounding the new whip rules is set to enter the political arena next
 week, when the All-Party Racing Group of MP's meet to discuss the crisis embroiling the sport.

"Yesterday leading jumps owner David Johnson added his voice to the criticism of the BHA hierarchy, already under pressure to make further concessions over the penalties that were revised last week.

"Johnson's comments come after Johnny Murtagh's decision to follow Ruby Walsh's lead

 and limit his appearances in Britain in protest over the regulations that restrict the number of  times the whip can be used, and impose heavy punishments on riders found in breach.

"With no sign of a resolution in the debate, the All-Party Racing Group will bring the parties together on Tuesday when debating the issues with senior figures from the warring factions.

"Also attending the meeting will be Kevin Darley, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, along with BHA representative Jamie Stier, director of raceday operations and

regulation, and Dr Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare.

"Tewkesbury MP Laurence Robertson, joint-chairman of the All-Party Racing Group, said: "There is obviously a great deal of concern regarding the new whip rules, even though they have been amended. Talks of strikes by jockeys, and the whole public argument, cannot be good for the sport.

"At the last committee meeting it was agreed that we could host a discussion on this issue so we can hear from a number of different sides in the argument .

"Whichever way this issue is finalised, I hope the right balance is struck so it ends up being good for the horse and good for racing. I'm sure that with goodwill and sensible judgements, that can be achieved."

"A BHA spokesperson  said last night: "In response to an invitation from the group, the BHA has confirmed that it is committed to constant monitoring of the situation and constructive dialogue with the PJA.

"All sides agree this is best not carried out in public.

 "We will be happy to answer questions the group may have,  and have been engaging with parliament extensively on this and other issues over the last 12 months, but do not think that debate is appropriate or helpful at this time."

"Johnson claims the regulatory body would have been better advised to have left the whip rules as they were. Saying the authorities have overreacted,  its very subjective. Some-times eight hits is too many, sometimes five is. You can strike a horse with less frequency, but with more aggression. Where there were abuses in the past the stewards ruled accordingly and I think jockeys, trainers and owners were all largely happy with the system."

"When you see top jockeys like Ruby Walsh and Johnny Murtagh saying they might not come over, then that can't be good for British racing." END

THE POWER OF PRICEWISE TOM (The Punters Champion) SEGAL notches huge profits on the Flat  - now he's primed for the Jumps with an anti-post pick for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham in 2012.  20-1

LEE MOTTERSHEAD "O'Brien plays down Breeders' dirt fears about SO YOU THINK. Ballydoyle star's ability to 'travel and stay' will stand him in good .

JON LEES SPECIAL REPORT  SIR MICHAEL STOUTE, "The master trainer has struggled for winners this season. We examine the reasons why.

"Temporary blip and it could all change next year. A lean year by his very high standards but has much to look forward to next year.