Horse racing chiefs have postponed a review of whip usage in the sport as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The British Horseracing Authority made a request to the the Horse Welfare Board to delay the consultation.
It was due to be completed by October and could have led to an overhaul of the regulations. The HWB suggested penalties for repeat breaches, whip action and modification should have been part of it.
The study will now take place at a later date, as officials are busy working on a coronavirus operational plan for the sport, which employs around 85,000 people.
There are approximately 14,000 horses in training across the UK. Barry Johnson, the Horse Welfare Board’s Independent Chair, said: “The Horse Welfare Board fully