The Hong Kong Jockey Club today has announced amendments to the Rules of Racing regulating the use of the whip at racemeetings and barrier trials.
From the commencement of the 2025/26 racing season, in addition to the existing controls on the use of the whip, there will be a requirement that prior to the 100 metre mark jockeys must not use the whip in consecutive strides. The existing controls, including the requirement that the jockey’s arm must not be raised above shoulder height, continue in force. From the 100 metre mark, the concluding stage of the race lasting approximately 5 to 6 seconds, a jockey may use the whip at his or her discretion, provided always that it is not used inappropriately. The Racing Stewards will closely monitor compliance and breaches of the Rule will incur condign penalties.
Accordingly, the following Rule amendment has been approved for the 2025/26 racing season:
Rule 100 (3) (ii) Except when a rider’s safety is unequivocally at risk, the whip must not be used:-
a. in consecutive strides at any time prior to the 100 metres, provided that the whip may be used at the rider’s discretion over the final 100 metres subject to Rule 100(3)(ii)(b) to (g);
b. forward of the saddle while the whip is held in the forehand position;
c. in the vicinity of a horse’s head or neck;
d. when a horse is clearly winning;
e. when a horse is clearly out of contention;
f. in a manner whereby the rider raises the hand holding the whip above shoulder height;
g. in an excessive, improper, unnecessary or inappropriate manner.
