SPRING CARNIVAL SAVED FROM POTENTIAL STRIKE ACTION

STRIKE action has been averted during the Spring Racing Carnival with a compromise reached over controversial new whip rules.

The Australian Racing Board and the Australian Jockeys’ Association agreed on changes to be implemented hopefully by the start of racing on Saturday.

Jockeys will still only be permitted to whip their mounts on alternate strides inside the final 200m of a race but can now use the whip a total of seven times in the final 100m.

Both parties described the compromise as a win for ‘common sense.’ ARB chairman, Bob Bentley said agreement should have been reached earlier.

We were locking horns on a situation that could have probably been resolved earlier,” Bentley said. “What we have done now is give the jockeys choice when they get to the 100m. It is now their choice how they use those seven strikes.”

Ross Inglis, who represented Victorian jockeys at the talks, said: “I wouldn’t call it a big win, maybe a short head. This removes the threat of any possible industrial action. We are hopeful this rule will be implemented by Saturday.”

Running rails have to be painted from the 200m to the winning post to ensure the rule chanes are enforced. The new rule is subject to a review next February.