Wales & Border Lead The Way Racing Without Whips.
A huge step forward in horse welfare in sport has been taken by Wales & Border Harness Racing Ltd, who have become the first organisation country-wide to race without whips.
The association, who promote many meetings locally and across the Welsh Border, decided that whip-free racing would be piloted for the first half of the 2021 season, then reviewed by all concerned at the major meeting at Penybont in August.
No whips were carried by any driver contesting any races other than the Nursery or Baby Novice races, where whips were allowed to be used for the initial guidance of youngsters, many of whom would be seeing racing for the first time, but were not permitted to be used during the actual race.
Though the new rule seemed very Draconian –other disciplines and organisations were limiting strikes and the manner in which the whip could be applied – Wales and Border drivers embraced the principle and raced successfully without whips. Thus when asked to vote if they wished to continue whip free racing at Penybont, it was a unanimous decision that they would continue to lead in horse welfare and keep racing whip-free.
“This is an important pro-active step by Wales & Border that proves racing can be run successfully without whips, and both horses and drivers are the better for it,” commented owner Stella Havard. “And from the feedback we are getting, it’s an initiative that really pleases spectators too. Well done to the committee for being brave enough to make and implement the momentous rule, because some drivers weren’t sure about it to begin with.”
The next Wales & Border Harness Racing meeting will be the Newbridge meeting at Cilmeri (LD2 3LG) near Builth Wells on Saturday (21st), first race 1.30 pm, and there are several local fixtures scheduled in the coming weeks.
