ONE of the stories of the season last year was the scrutiny that riders were coming under in relation to their use of the whip, with the significant escalation in the number of whip-related suspensions that were handed down to them.

In all, 145 days’ worth of suspensions were issued for breaches of the various whip regulations, from using the whip above shoulder height, to excessive frequency and failing to allow their mounts three strides to respond.