Home > Campaigns > Horse racing > Special report: March 2004

A HIDING TO NOTHING
The use of the whip in British horse racing

This special Animal Aid report is based on a meticulous analysis of 161 races that were run between October and November 2003. The results clearly demonstrate that not only is whipping cruel - it is pointless.

"...what stands out in this race is the whipping of Teyaar by McCabe. His 21 strikes in this five furlong race is totally unacceptable and should have seen action from the stewards. The winner was not whipped." Thursday 16th October 2003, Southwell 3.35pm

Summary
Why whipping horses reduces their chances of winning.
Part 1: Introduction
Introduction and background to the horse racing industry.
Part 2: The whip
The rules, specifications, historical perspective.
Part 3: Analysis of the data
The whipping, the incentives, the impact, paying the price.

Part 4: The best, the worst and conclusions
The seven worst rides, and winning without the whip.
Part 5: The whip tables
Use of the whip data and the whip tables, including Jockeys' Record data.
 

[Full data tables - PDF]
[Report - PDF]
[Horse Racing Awareness Week]

Researched and compiled by Dene Stansall
Written by Dene Stansall and Andrew Tyler

Published by Animal Aid, March 2004. ISBN: 0-9545115-1-4

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