RSPCA inspectors were at Gosford racecourse for Takeover Target Stakes day on Friday to investigate a complaint made to the animal welfare group in relation to whip use.
“Basically there’s a couple of extremists on the whip issue that lodged a complaint to the RSPCA and they are obliged to look into it,” Racing NSW’s chief executive Peter V’landys said.
The RSPCA was using thermal imaging equipment as horses walked back to the tie-up stall area after they had raced at the meeting.
“Unfortunately we can never satisfy the extremists,” V’landys said.
“In the last two years we have done more reform than any other animal group on welfare. We introduced the padded whip and everyone tells us it doesn’t hurt the horse.
“We also reduced the number of times jockeys can use the whip.
“No animal is better looked after than a thoroughbred.”
Chief inspector of RSPCA NSW, David O’Shannessy, was at the track and confirmed an investigation was taking place but wouldn’t comment further.
“We have received a complaint and are investigating,” O’Shannessy said.
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