Changes to Hong Kong whip rules ‘address perception issues’, promote harmonisation

Jockey Club officials confirm riders will not be permitted to use the whip in consecutive strides before the 100m mark

September, 2025





The Jockey Club believes changes to its whip rules will “address perception issues” around equine welfare and act as a step towards “harmonisation with other racing jurisdictions” as the World Pool continues to grow.


Beginning from this Sunday’s season opener at Sha Tin, jockeys will not be permitted to use the whip in consecutive strides before the 100m mark, while the whip may be used at the rider’s discretion in the final 100m.


After consulting jockeys, trainers and owners towards the end of last season, officials have landed on a change that Andrew Harding, the club’s executive director of racing, hopes is the right fit for the ultra-competitive nature of Hong Kong racing.


“The topic of the whip is one that has been given a lot of attention in a number of racing jurisdictions over the last 10 to 15 years,” he said.


“We considered a range of options which were available looking at what’s been done overseas and what we have decided upon, I think, is a measured change that will achieve our objectives in terms of safety and in terms of welfare, while at the same time ensuring that the sport is conducted in a way that our fans expect.”



Jockey Club executive director of racing Andrew Harding.


While in the past Hong Kong jockeys could be punished for using the whip in an “excessive, improper, unnecessary or inappropriate manner”, this is the first time restrictions have been placed on how often the whip can be used.


The Jockey Club did, however, stop short of implementing a hard and fast rule on how many times the whip can be used, something that is common globally.


“What we’re asking the riders to do is to give the horse a chance to respond to the whip in the early stages of the race,” said chief steward Marc van Gestel.


“Let the horse’s momentum build, try and get the horse at its top and get it into a good rhythm and stride. And then, when they get to the 100m, if they are in contention and the horse is responding to whip use, they may at their discretion then use the whip in consecutive strides over the final 100m.



Jockey Club chief steward Marc van Gestel.


“One of the things the club was keen on was not to require jockeys to count whip strikes during a race, which a number of other global jurisdictions do. We think that takes the jockeys’ focus away from how they actually ride in a race.”


There will be no scope for lodging a protest or disqualification for breaching the new whip rules, and stewards will “provide a transition period for jockeys to adapt their riding style”.


“In the early stages of this season, we will have a soft introduction where we will be educating riders rather than penalising them for minor offences,” said Van Gestel.


“If there is a major offence, initially that may attract a fine and if the rider continues to break the rules, then it may well be that suspensions are applied.”

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quote originally posted by hanman0072002:

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Mwans those runners with strong finish or those no early speed ones got better chance ?

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I think it can happen both ways bro,
for me it's always about an outsider horse with
a good chance to win

	bet within our means

quote originally posted by ilove_winning:

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Some exotics mid pricers always pacing with front pack. Then cheong for 2nd or 3rd place.

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quote originally posted by hanman0072002:

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Wow like that if these horses cannot take lead they will probably struggle late on. Last 100m if no reaction means gg.

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A rainy 1st day racing for the new season at HK Sha Tin racing circuit

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