In 2018, there were 548 breaches of the whip by 269 jockeys, compared with 524 breaches by 264 riders in 2017. In 2016, Animal Aid recorded 470 breaches by 246 jockeys, making 2018 the third year in a row that the number of breaches and the number of jockeys breaking the rules has risen.

The research comes as the BHA has begun a review into the use of the whip in racing – although the regulator has made it clear that it doesn’t see the whip as a welfare issue[1], despite the level of public opposition to its use. In a 2018 YouGov poll, 68% of respondents said they opposed the use of the whip in racing. When only including those who expressed a view, this figure rose to 83%.[2]