Jockeys' whip use criticised

Adrian Maguire and Tony McCoy were yesterday described as "not good role models" by one of the men responsible for teaching Britain's jockeys of the future.

The two leading jump riders have both been penalised by the stewards for whip offences this week.

And Kevin Frost, training manager at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster, believes it is difficult to single out a current jockey to hold up as an example of how to use the whip.

"It is very hard as all the top jockeys seem to be getting done for whip offences every other day," he said.

"Adrian Maguire and Tony McCoy are not good role models.

"They are a fine example as they try so hard and their will-to-win is phenomenal but not when they are continually breaking the rules - and whether you agree with the rules or not they have to be adhered to."

Frost also believes that the new "air whip", currently used by some riders, is not the solution. "I have tried the air whip myself and it still marks horses. I think everyone should get together and decide on a whip to use and then make them use it - you shouldn't ask jockeys' opinions."