Whip has no place in modern horse racing (From Daily Echo)

Whip has no place in modern horse racing

3:07pm Thursday 7th July 2011 in Readers' Letters

I AM no racing fan but I understand that there is a movement to ban the whip from horse-racing and that Towcester Racecourse will disqualify all riders who use the whip.

It seems that many jockeys misuse the whip, and yet if they win are allowed to keep their winnings.

Much suffering is caused to horses and the so-called cushioned whip caused weals on at least 17 horses during 2010. The winning horse in the Grand National, Ballabriggs, was excessively whipped and was so exhausted and dehydrated that he needed oxygen.

I fully support the Animal Aid campaign to Ban the Whip.

BRENDA KNOPF, Highfield, Southampton.