Ryan Mania blasts 'ridiculous' no-whip rule after being fined £80 for Mr Incredible ride at Kelso on Saturday

Grand National-winning rider Ryan Mania hit out on Sunday at a "ridiculous" rule that led to his being fined £80 for not carrying a whip.

Staying chaser Mr Incredible, who finished second in the Midlands Grand National last year, has become tricky at the start and refused to race on his first appearance for Sandy Thomson at Wetherby on Boxing Day.

In an attempt to avoid a repeat, Mania went without a whip at Kelso on Saturday but was fined by the stewards, who inquired into the fact he appeared to use his reins to encourage his mount during the race and reminded him that only an approved whip should be used for that purpose.

"I wasn't aware there was a rule and I don't think anybody else was either," said Mania, who won the Grand National on Auroras Encore in 2013. "I think it's ridiculous. I'm aware that the stick is there for safety reasons, but we know the horse doesn't like it. I can't see the problem.

"The horse has got a history, everyone is well aware of that. We wanted and needed to do something different. We knew he didn't like the stick so I didn't carry it."

In reference to the stewards' reference to his using the reins to encourage his mount, Mania said: "I used the reins but only as a flick. When you ride a finish you use your reins and you're flailing them about, the only difference is you've got a whip in your hand."

He called for common sense to be applied and added: "I said to the stewards had I known it was a rule I'd have just dropped it on the way to the start, then how would it be any different?

"I think there's a lack of common sense being used in this whole process. I get that the rules are there, but they've got to look at different circumstances. Some say it's only £80, but it's the point of it."

Mr Incredible: has become tricky at the startCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Mr Incredible's behaviour at Kelso was referred to the BHA by the stewards, who said he appeared to pull himself up after the 14th fence, following on from previous refusals to race. But Mania said: "He is tricky but we're getting there with him. He's been very good at home."

A BHA spokesperson said it was a requirement for jockeys to be aware of the rules in the jurisdiction within which they are riding and all jockeys underwent mandatory training.

They added: "The issue of whether the rule that a whip must be carried should be retained was covered as part of the recent whip consultation  and was one of the questions asked of the industry and participants. It produced a variety of responses, but the cross-industry whip consultation steering group determined it should be retained. 

"They concluded the whip is an essential tool for the safety of horses and riders and should always be available for use for this purpose. They felt that many jockeys would feel uncomfortable, and potentially unsafe, if asked to ride without a whip, particularly when riding inexperienced or challenging horses, and/or during jump races.

"The current rule is clear that there is no obligation for a jockey to use the whip, and an owner or trainer would be able to express to the jockey a preference for this in relation to its use for encouragement on particular horses, while still respecting the jockey’s right to use it for safety purposes."

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