It is welcome news that Towcester Racecourse has announced it will ban jockeys from beating horses with the whip, and will disqualify those who do. Animal Aid's 2004 report A Hiding To Nothing analysed 161 races and showed how much suffering is caused by the use of the whip.

Our latest report Beaten to the Line 2010, reveals that, last year, the British Horseracing Authority's rules were broken more than 17 times per week.

At the moment, many jockeys repeatedly misuse the whip because, even when they found guilty of misconduct, they still keep their winnings. Animal Aid is now calling on all Britain's racecourses to follow Towcester's example, and end the use of the whip in racing. Please visit www.animalaid.org.uk.

FIONA PEREIRA, Animal Aid