Racing: Maguire under pressure to rein in his whip hand

THE Jockey Club yesterday named Adrian Maguire as one of a group of 'hard men' riding style will need to be modified when new guidelines on whip use come into force later this year.

Nigel MacFarlane, secretary of the Club's Disciplinary Committee, singled out Maguire's winning ride on Sibton Abbey in this season's Hennessy Gold Cup for particular criticism. Maguire, who hit the winner 13 times, used 'a high slashing action which was delivered with a considerable amount of force,' MacFarlane said, and compared unfavourably to the 'quite inoffensive style' of Mark Dwyer on the runner-up, Jodami.

'He will have to change his style, and I am sure he will,' said Anthony Mildmay-White, the Committee's chairman. 'Racing must not be perceived as a sport that condones the thrashing of equine athletes.'

The new guidelines, which come into force on 5 July, are unpopular with many jockeys. Stewards will consider holding an inquiry into any case where a rider has used his whip six times or more in a Flat race, or after the penultimate obstacle over jumps. Use of the whip from above shoulder height will also be banned.