Apprentice jockey Jamie Powell has been disqualified from first place in the prestigious Cesarewitch Handicap at Newmarket after breaching whip rules, resulting in the loss of the most valuable win of his young career. The British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) Whip Review Committee made the ruling after Powell used his whip 10 times during the race, four strokes more than the permitted limit of six in flat races.
"There is simply no excuse for using the whip four times or more above the permitted level," said Brant Dunshea, the BHA's chief regulatory officer, following the decision. He emphasized that the disqualification was intended to deter "flagrant misuse of the whip" and to ensure fairness in race results.
Powell, a 3lb-claiming apprentice making only his eighth start in Britain, led the 18-furlong race from over a quarter of a mile out, with victory in sight. However, his overuse of the whip likely influenced the outcome, as Alphonse Le Grande narrowly won by a nose over runner-up Manxman. Powell was also handed a 28-day suspension, covering flat race days between October 29 and December 6.
Despite the inexperience of the young jockey, Dunshea stressed that the rules are in place to uphold the integrity of the sport. The disqualification sends a firm message to riders that whip rule breaches, especially in high-profile races, will not be tolerated.
