Only five cases in fifteen months out of more than 8,200 races. Even if the distancing of a horse for abusive use (beyond nine strokes) of the crop by its jockey is an extremely rare phenomenon, this measure, introduced by France Galop in September 2023, remains a sensitive subject. for professionals and bettors. Each time the Commissioners had to make this decision (see elsewhere), the debate was relaunched. As during the recent general assembly of the Association of PP (Paris-Province): “Owners and punters are harmed by a jockey’s fault. We request a review of the rule in light of the results.” The Association, led by Hubert Tassin, is not proposing a withdrawal of this rule but an adjustment: “Our proposal: remove automatic distancing if the horse has not benefited from the additional strokes. Specify that Commissioners can distance and not must distance.” To summarize, bringing the subjective where at the moment there is practically only the factual. Vice-president of France Galop in charge of the dish, Arnaud de Seyssel is firmly opposed to it: “Above all, there should be no subjectivity on this. If the Stewards have to tell themselves that if the horse finishes at two lengths, he can do X strokes, if he finishes at one length, he has the right to Let’s leave the goal.” Implemented fifteen months ago for “strengthen dissuasion regarding the abusive use of the crop”, the measure satisfies the parent company as Arnaud de Seyssel explains: “I’m never satisfied to see a horse left behind, but I’m not satisfied either by the attitude of certain jockeys. I am 100% in favor of this change to the code that we had. I am no longer on the jurisdictional council, but if there could be a change in the future, it would increase the sanctions for the jockey. The aim is to significantly reduce the number of offenses for whipping.”
“There was an awareness among jockeys”
Secretary of the France Galop Commissioners, Samuel Fargeat corroborates these remarks with figures: “It’s simple. We went from 1,108 jockeys sanctioned in 2019 to 501 in 2023. Divided by two, this figure should decrease further in 2024. There was an awareness of jockeys and to return to the measure, it was discussed for two years by all professionals.” Unanimously appreciated when it was introduced by the various associations, this rule remains so as the year 2025 begins. President of the Jockeys’ Association, Bertrand Lestrade, who therefore saw five of his colleagues being pinned, has a firm opinion on this measure: “I find this rule fair and completely in line with our times. I don’t think we should go back to that. It’s unfortunate that this happened five times, because it doesn’t at all reflect the seriousness and respect for the rule on the year of jockeys in France. I think we must continue on this path, and we sincerely hope that next year there will not be a single mistake, because it is no longer acceptable..” Obstacle trainer, Gabriel Leenders even changed his mind: “Basically, I was against it in order to protect the owner and the punters. Then, after reflection, the jockey not respecting the rule must be distanced, because the others respect it. It’s a question of fairness…”. And what does the punter think? Questioned on our social networks, voters do not know which way to stand: 53% are for and 47% are against.
Read also
Something new on the use of the Crop
The five cases
November 18, 2023. Garry de Brunie (3.3 at PMU) is left behind first place in the National Steeple-Chase of the Anglo-Arabs for nine requests from Johnny Charron. Had passed the post as winner with a head lead over Janiculum.
The article: here
June 1, 2024. Two and a half lengths ahead of the finish line for Fiction by Berlais and Maxime Behocaray in the Prix Trinitad at Auteuil. The Commissioners counted more than eight requests. The mare is left behind even though she was at 4/1. The entourage appealed the decision but the judgment was upheld.
The article: here
August 19, 2024. A quinté in Clairefontaine which will go down in history. In the Grand Steeple-Chase of the City of Deauville, Matthieu Chailloleau, in the saddle on Charminouses his whip nine times. The horse (11/1) loses the benefit of its third place, obtained 2 and a half lengths ahead of the fourth.
The article: here
October 4, 2024. Offered at odds of 82/1, Geneva wins with two and a half lengths ahead of Hm Al Zalma in the Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches. She will be left behind in Group I a few minutes later because Lukas Delozier used his whip ten times.
The article: here
December 20, 2024. 40 days. The young female jockey Laure Neuville is sanctioned for having used her whip ten times while she was in the saddle on Lord in a flat event on the Chantilly racecourse. The horse is left behind in fifth place.
