McCain fumes as he compares whip review system to VAR after Brian Hughes ban

09 March 2023 , 11:42

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Trainer Donald McCain is unhappy about the ban imposed on Brian Hughes (Image: PA)

Leading trainer Donald McCain has blasted the new whip review system after champion jockey Brian Hughes was banned for striking his mount just once in a race.

Hughes fell foul of the controversial rules for the first time when he was issued with a four-day suspension by the Whip Review Committee on Wednesday for using his whip with his arm above shoulder height.

The offence occurred before the second last flight of a hurdle race at Doncaster last week on Minella Plus who finished unplaced.

But McCain complained Hughes, who is leading the season’s rankings again, was only guilty of a minor technical offence, comparing the system to VAR in football.

"On Saturday, while sat in the weighing room at Doncaster I was informed by my stable jockey, Brian Hughes, that he had received a four-day ban for his ride on Minella Plus for hitting him once over shoulder height!,” he wrote on Twitter.

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"On watching the replay I realised that he had only used his stick once in the whole race, between three out and two out, then put it down and continued to ride with hands and heels.

"Now I would like to stress I have always been an advocate for tighter restrictions.

Champion jockey Brian Hughes was given a four-day ban (Sportsfile via Getty Images)

"Break the rules, hit one too many times gaining an unfair advantage, lose the race, give a horse a smack in the wrong place and you deserve to be in trouble.

"This is different, a minor technicality almost to the level of VAR in football.

"Could someone please tell me how a dual, and hopefully three-times champion jockey getting a four-day ban for using his stick once, whilst in contention and landing in the correct place, is good four our sport?

"I am concerned about what the future holds!"

Jon Lees