Campaign reply - Urge the BHA to finally ban the whip in racing

Thank you for contacting me about the use of the whip in horseracing.

I would like to assure you that the Government shares the public’s high regard for animal welfare, including the welfare of racehorses. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is responsible for the safety of racehorses at British racecourses and works alongside the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare to make horseracing as safe as possible.

The racing industry’s independent Horse Welfare Board (HWB) was formed in 2019 and includes members from across the racing industry, veterinarians and animal health and welfare experts. I am aware that the HWB recommended that the penalties for the improper use of the whip should be increased in its 2020 publication ‘A Life Well Lived’.

The irresponsible use of the whip is unacceptable and I understand from the BHA that if the rules on the use of the whip in horseracing are breached, then stewards will review the ride and, if required, hand out penalties which are strict in order to act as a deterrent. In 2021, the BHA launched an open consultation on the use of the whip in British racing and I look forward to reading the conclusions of this consultation.

More broadly, I know that officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will continue to engage with the sector to ensure that both the welfare of racehorses and reducing fatalities and injuries that result from racing remain at the forefront of the BHA’s priorities in delivering the plan’s outcomes. Defra will be monitoring closely how the industry responds to the Board’s recommendations so that the welfare needs of racehorses are met both during and after their racing lives.

Finally, I would encourage anyone with evidence that a racehorse has suffered unnecessarily from being whipped to report it to the local authorities.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.