Ohhh I miss the good old days, when jockeys were men and horses needed a good thrashing to get the best out of them. We're all fully aware that horses rarely give of their best, and for the most part will only put in as long as they feel that it's fun. This might sound cruel and insensitive, but riders carry whips for a purpose .... to flog horses. Who in their right mind believes that crap about the need to carry a whip for safety purposes? If that was the case, riders wouldn't be allowed to pull the persuader in the run to the post. Where is the danger there? We're allowed by the rules of racing to beat the horse if we feel the need. We're limited in the number of cuts we can inflict, but what sort of double standard is that? If the animal isn't about to cause any strife in the run to the post, why be allowed to flog it at all? Proof positive that we're permitted to lash horse flesh if the rider thinks it might make a difference to the outcome of the race. So if we're being honest here, if we're allowed to hop into them for no other reason other to improve a race position, why not remove the restrictions and give it to them good. No more mamby pamby, sissy girl riding. Let's get back to the days of yore when the sound of cracking whips could be heard a half mile from home. The heady mix of thundering hooves, smacking of whips and cursing jockeys yelling at terrified equines, can't be left to the memories of old men. The younger brigade deserve much more than the sight and sound today's insipid efforts of the people in the saddle. In the words of the great Sam Kekovich. "You know it makes sense!"
