Racing: Jockey Club defy RSPCA over remounting of fallers

The debate on a vexed subject was triggered by an injury suffered by the Paul Nicholls-trained Kauto Star, who has not run since falling and being remounted by Ruby Walsh at Exeter in January. "We debated long and hard about the issues over remounting," said the Jockey Club director of regulation, Malcolm Wallace. "We felt that a ban would be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut and were confident that the welfare of the horse would remain at the forefront of owners', trainers' and jockeys' minds. We will be keeping the situation under constant review and would not rule out any further changes or amendments in the future."

The RSPCA expressed disappointment, accusing the Jockey Club of shirking responsibility. "It cannot be beneficial for a fallen horse to continue," said David Muir, the society's equine consultant. "And is it fair to ask a jockey to make split-second decisions that could have a bearing on a horse's welfare? Surely that is the duty of the regulatory body, which in this case has shirked its responsibility through its indecision."

* Jockeys' agents will have to be licensed by the Jockey Club from 1 December to ensure levels of accountability across the industry. The Jockey Club have decided on regulation to bring their status in line with jockeys and trainers following a review of their role, standards and influence in the industry. A total of 43 agents are registered and run the schedules of 352 jockeys.