Kevin Stott’s William Hill blog: New whip rules a good thing for the sport 

New whip rules

There’s obviously been written and said about the new rules surrounding the whip. The changes are certainly going to take time to adjust to but ultimately it seems a good thing for the sport going forward.

We are constantly being watched and the public perception has a big impact on the sport, so to keep racing with the changing times we clearly had to do something and the outcome seems fair for everyone.

I believe the new disqualification rules and the increased penalties for offences are absolutely correct and should help to eliminate any jockeys who may be breaking the rules. Over the next few weeks I will definitely be trying to practice using my backhand position so that by the time the new rules start it should be second nature. You’d imagine plenty of my fellow jockeys will be doing the same.

Finishes should certainly look neater, and it will most definitely be about helping the horse to stay balanced and really using strength to hold them together under hand and heels.

I’m looking forward to the new challenge.

Pontefract Friday

I begin my rides on Friday at Pontefract with Washington Heights in the six-furlong novice stakes (8.30pm). He was nice winner on his second start and is a horse we have always liked at home. He obviously has to carry a penalty this time which makes things harder, but I don’t think it’s the strongest of races. Stall five is ideal as I can take a lead or make the running which is great as he’s versatile and six furlongs shouldn’t be an issue.

I was on board Enigmatic (7.24pm) on his last win which came over course and distance under similar conditions. He hasn’t been at his best since over further but these conditions are perfect so hopefully he can bounce back.

A win op has definitely helped Rambuso Creek. He was good at Thirsk and then unlucky when getting no run at Beverley last time. He seems to have bounced out of it well and stall five in this five-furlong handicap (8.54pm) is again ideal. There is plenty of pace so hopefully we can just have some luck this time.

Haydock Saturday

I’m then off to Haydock on Saturday evening for four rides starting with Dogged in the 1m2f handicap (6.30pm). He’s on a bit of a losing streak but didn’t run too badly over course and distance last time, form of which has been franked. A repeat of that would hopefully see him be competitive again.

Next up is Hernan Cortes in the seven-furlong novice stakes (7.00pm). He ran nicely enough last time at Newcastle where he looked tapped for speed over six so we’re hoping the step up to seven will suit. His breeding, being out of Almazor, suggests it will too, but I would have preferred a bit more cut in the ground.

I’m then on Invisible Friend in the mile novice stakes (8.30pm). She’s a nicely bred filly out of Sea The Stars and is a half sister to the talented Irish Legend. She’s been given plenty of time but this looks a tough race to start in.

Finally, I ride Dion Baker in the mile handicap (9.00pm). He’s only had four runs and hasn’t been beaten far in all of those. A stiff mile possibly stretched him last time so a flat track could help. The form of Giovanni Baglionelooks looks very good, though, so I think we’ll have to improve again to beat him.