GB2499908A

GB2499908A - A whip with a counter

Info

Publication number: GB2499908A
Application number: GB1303588.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Cullen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-28
Filing date: 2013-02-28
Publication date: 2013-09-04
Also published as: GB201303588D0

Abstract

A whip 100 for use by a jockey during a race, the whip comprising a sensor 108 for detecting a whipping action, a counter 110 suitable for maintaining an accumulative whip action count which is increased by a count of one on detection of a whipping action and means 112 for alerting the accumulative whip action count to an interested party. The altering means are preferably a vibrator, light or audio means. The audio means may be a speaker built into the whip or an earpiece worn by the jockey in wireless communication with the whip.

Description

-1 -"A Whip"

Introduction

5 This invention relates to a whip. In particular, the present invention relates to an equestrian whip for use by jockeys in horse racing.

A riding crop, a fly whisk, a riding crane and a bat are examples of other types of handheld implements which are also used by riders to control, encourage and 10 discipline their horses. For the purposes of this invention, riding crops, fly whisks, riding cranes and bats are to be considered as being analogous to an equestrian riding whip and it will be understood that any references to a "whip", or to an "equestrian whip", throughout this specification should be construed as to also refer to riding crops, fly whisks, riding cranes and bats.

15

There are various different types of equestrian whips which vary in length and construction depending on whether the whip is to be used for riding the horse, driving the horse or simply handling the horse. Fly whisks are primarily used for swatting flies and insects away from a horse although it has been known to also use the fly whisks in 20 a secondary role as a make-shift riding crop. It will be appreciated that each of the different designs and constructions of these whips suit the different activities they are designed for, and as such have different designs. However, in general a whip will comprise of a semi-flexible shaft with a handle located adjacent a proximal end of the shaft, and, a flap affixed to a distal end of the shaft. In some countries, the flap is 25 alternatively known as a keeper, a tip or a twitch, but will be generally understood as being an additional material affixed to the distal end of the shaft, where the distal end of the shaft is defined as being at the opposite end of the shaft to the proximal end having the handle.

30 Examples of riding whips are known from European Patent Publication Number EP0217702 (GABE) and European Patent Publication Number EP0978474 (GRYLLS). European Patent Publication Number EP0217702 discloses a whip having a magnet embedded in the handle to allow the whip to be hung in storage through magnetic connection with a storage support. European Patent Publication Number

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EP0978474 discloses a riding whip which is constructed in a robust and durable manner such that the flap encases a part of the distal end of the shaft of the whip to create a solid connection between he flap and the shaft of the whip.

5 Under the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), the whip used for flat races may be a maximum length of 70cms, and the hip used for jump races may be a maximum length of 68cms. The maximum diameter of the whip is 1cm. The only additional feature which may be attached to the whip is the flap. If the flap is attached to the whip, the flap can only extended from the distal end of the shaft by a maximum of 10 10cms. The maximum width of the flap is 4cms and the minimum width of the flap is 2cms. The flap must not contain any reinforcements or additions and there should not be any binding within 23cms of the end of the flap.

The contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusions or raised 15 surfaces, and should be covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm. The flap must have similar shock absorbing characteristics to that of the contact area, and the weight of the whip must not exceed 160 grams.

20 The whip is held by the jockey and is used during a horse race to encourage and direct the horse as needs be in order to have the horse move forward and/or take a jump. The whip may also be used for safety and correctional purposes.

The misuse, or adjudged over-use of the whip, has lead to complaints by animal rights 25 activists who claim that the misuse of the whip is cruel to the horses. As can be imagined, much debate has taken place on the issue with strong feelings on both sides.

In response to the accusations of animal cruelty, the BHA introduced strict new 30 regulations regarding the use of whips during races it oversees. These new regulations, which have been in force since October 10, 2011, only permit a jockey to whip their horse a maximum of eight times during a flat race and a maximum of nine times during jump races. If the jockey uses the whip more than the specified maximum number of times, then the jockey will receive a suspension and possible a financial

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penalty as well. It is an offence for a horseowner or trainer to reimburse the jockey if they are fined by the BHA for misuse of the whip.

During a race, it can be extremely difficult for a jockey to maintain a count of the 5 number of times that they have used the whip on their horse. In such a dangerous and fast sport, where a vast amount of visual and spatial information must be continually processed by the jockey as they race at high speeds in relatively tight spaces, it is difficult for the jockey to instantly recall how often they have used the whip.

10 As a consequence inadvertent mistakes have been known to take place, though overuse of the whip and consequently, in line with the recently introduced above-mentioned regulations on the use of the whip, a jockey may be suspended from racing for five or more days and may also receive a financial penalty. This is a major concern to jockeys who may be denied income, or even worse lose a part of their income, as a 15 result of an inadvertent mistake or miscount on their part.

It is a goal of the present invention to provide an equestrian whip that overcomes at least one of the above mentioned problems.

20 Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed towards a whip for use by a jockey during a race, the whip comprising a sensor for detecting a whipping action; a counter suitable for maintaining an accumulative whip action count which is increased by a count of one on detection of a whipping action; and, means for reporting the accumulative 25 whip action count to an interested party.

The advantage of the whip of the present invention is that the jockey does not need to keep a mental count of the number of times that they have used the whip during a race. The whip will maintain a count itself, and can be used to report to the jockey or to 30 a steward, the accumulative whip action count.

In a further embodiment, the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count to an interested party comprises a sensory output for alerting the jockey using the whip. Advantageously, the jockey can be alerted during the race to let

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them know that they have reached the permitted limit of usages of their whip, or that they are 1, 2, 3, etc. usages of their whip away from reaching the permitted limit of usages of their whip.

5 In a further embodiment, the sensory output comprises an audio signal. In a further embodiment, the audio signal emanates from a speaker on the whip. In a further embodiment, the audio signal emanates from a speaker on a helmet worn by the jockey.

10 In a further embodiment, the audio signal emanates from an earpiece worn by the jockey, whereby the earpiece is connected to the whip. In a further embodiment, the audio signal emanates from an earpiece worn by the jockey, whereby the earpiece is wirelessly connected to the whip.

15 In a further embodiment, the sensory output comprises a visual signal. This can be clear to the jockey.

In a further embodiment, the visual signal emanates from a light source on the whip. In a further embodiment, the light source on the whip is a light emitting diode 20 (LED).

In a further embodiment, the visual signal emanates from a light source on a harness worn by a race animal. In a further embodiment, the light source on the harness is a light emitting diode (LED).

25

In a further embodiment, the visual signal emanates from a light source on a pair of protective goggles worn by the jockey. In a further embodiment, the light source on the goggles is a light emitting diode (LED).

30 In a further embodiment, the sensory output comprises a tactile signal. In a further embodiment, the tactile signal emanates from a vibrator in the whip.

In a further embodiment, the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count to an interested party comprises a data output means suitable for informing

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a race steward about a jockey's use of the whip during a race.

In a further embodiment, the data output means comprises a wireless transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting the accumulative whip action count to a co-5 operating wireless receiver operated by the steward.

In a further embodiment, the wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits the accumulative whip action count to the co-operating wireless receiver in real time during the race. In a further embodiment, the wireless transmitter wirelessly 10 transmits the accumulative whip action count to the co-operating wireless receiver after the race has finished.

In a further embodiment, the data output means comprises a socket suitable for receiving a co-operating plug connected to a steward's computing device, so as to 15 form a wired connection between the whip and the steward's computing device to transmit the accumulative whip action count to the steward.

In a further embodiment, the counter is reset to zero at the beginning of every race. In a further embodiment, the counter may only be reset to zero by a steward 20 using a passcode. This is advantageous as the counter will maintain the accumulative whip action count until it is reset by a steward, in which case a steward will have had an opportunity to review the accumulative whip action count.

In a further embodiment, the means for reporting the accumulative whip action 25 count is activated by an activation signal from the counter.

In a further embodiment, the counter compares the accumulative whip action count to a predetermined whip count threshold to determine if the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count to the interested party should be activated.

30

In a further embodiment, the predetermined whip count threshold may be set to any value by the jockey so that the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count to the interested party is utilised at the jockey's preferred instance.

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In a further embodiment, the whip further comprises a processor; the processor receives a counter signal from the counter; the processor being further connected to the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count, whereby, the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count is activated by an 5 activation signal from the processor.

In a further embodiment, the whip further comprises a processor; the processor receives a sensor signal from the sensor; the processor being further connected to the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count, whereby, the 10 processor evaluates the sensor signal to determine if a whipping action has occurred, and if so, the processor increases the accumulative whip action count by a count of one and compares the accumulative whip action count against a predetermined whip count threshold to determine if the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count should be activated, and if so, the means for 15 reporting the accumulative whip action count is activated by an activation signal from the processor.

In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises a motion sensor. In a further embodiment, the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer.

20

In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises a force sensor.

In a further embodiment, the sensor outputs a sensor signal representative of a measured parameter.

25

In a further embodiment, the measured parameter is velocity. In a further embodiment, the measured parameter is acceleration. In a further embodiment, the measured parameter is deceleration.

30 In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises a processing means to analyse a sensor signal representative of a measured parameter so as to determine whether a whipping action has occurred, and means for outputting a whipping action signal which is indicative of whether a whipping action occurred or not. In a further embodiment, the measured parameter is velocity. In a further embodiment, the

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measured parameter is acceleration. In a further embodiment, the measured parameter is deceleration.

In a further embodiment, the whip detects the whipping action by comparing a 5 sensor signal, which is output from the sensor and which is representative of a measured parameter, against a preset limit.

In a further embodiment, the whip detects the whipping action by comparing a sensor signal, which is output from the sensor and which is representative of a 10 measured parameter, against an upper preset limit and/or a lower preset limit, whereby if the sensor signal is equal to or greater than the upper preset limit then a certain whipping action is determined to have occurred, or, if the sensor signal is equal to or less than the lower preset limit then a certain non-whipping action is determined to have occurred.

15

In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises processing means to detect the whipping action.

In a further embodiment, the whip comprises a processor to detect the whipping 20 action.

In a further embodiment, the whip further comprises a power source. In a further embodiment, the power source is a kinetically-powered rechargeable battery.

25 In a further embodiment, the whip may comprise a location sensor and processor means for determining the velocity of a racehorse during a race, duration of time between whipping actions. Preferably, the location sensor would be a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit. In one embodiment, the whip may comprise memory to store data for retrieval later by stewards through a wired connection 30 such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection.

The present invention is further directed towards a method of monitoring usage of a whip on a racehorse by a jockey during a race comprising the steps of detecting a whipping action by the jockey by use of a whipping sensor embedded in the

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whip; upon detection of a whipping action, increasing an accumulative whipping action count by a count of one; and, comparing the accumulative whipping action count to a predetermined whipping action threshold for compliance with racing regulations. It will be readily understood for before that the whipping sensor need 5 not be necessarily embedded in the whip, and it may be attached to an exterior of the whip, although the BHA regulations generally prescribe that the exterior of a whip be relatively and substantially smooth.

The present invention is further directed to an equestrian whip for use by a jockey 10 during a horse race, wherein the equestrian whip comprises a shaft with a handle at a proximal end of the shaft and a flexible flap at a distal end of the shaft; wherein, the equestrian whip further comprises a sensor for determining when a whipping action has occurred, a counter in communication with the sensor for maintaining an active whip count, and an alerting means in communication with the counter for warning the 15 jockey when the accumulative whip action count has reached a predetermined whip count threshold.

It will be understood that in a basic embodiment of the present invention, during a horse race, when the sensor of the equestrian whip determines that a whipping action 20 has taken place, the sensor will signal to the counter that a whipping action has taken place. In response to the signal from the sensor, the counter will add a count of one to the active whip count. Once the counter determines that the accumulative whip action count has reached the predetermined whip count threshold, the counter will signal to the alerting means to warn the jockey that the number of uses of the equestrian whip 25 has reached the predetermined whip count threshold.

The advantage of the equestrian whip of the present invention is that the jockey does not need to keep a mental count of the number of times that they have whipped their horse during a race. The whip will maintain a count itself, and will alert a jockey once 30 the accumulative whip action count has reached the predetermined whip count threshold. Under the British Horseracing Authority regulations, the predetermined whip count threshold would be set at seven for flat races, and at eight for jump races.

In a further embodiment, the alerting means comprises a vibrator. In another

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embodiment, the alerting means comprises an illumination device, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or the like.

In yet further embodiment, the alerting means comprises an audio device. For 5 example, the audio device may be in the form of a wireless earpiece which is in wireless communication with the equestrian whip. Alternatively, the audio device may simply be a speaker on the equestrian whip.

In a further embodiment, the equestrian whip comprises a processor which acts as the 10 counter.

In a further embodiment, the sensor is a force sensor. The force sensor measures the force of the whipping action used by the jockey to differentiate between a use of the equestrian whip in a whipping manner to encourage the horse, and a light brush, or 15 tapping action, of the equestrian whip in a non-whipping manner against the horse which can be used to keep the horse running in a straight line. In this way, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a whipping action is distinguished from a non-whipping action.

20 For example, the force sensor may differentiate a whipping action from a tapping action by determining if the measured force of the whip hitting the horse is above or below a preset limit, or a certain percentage above or below the preset limit.

In a further embodiment, an accelerometer may be used as the sensor to track the 25 movement of the whip through the air to determine if the movement and trajectory of the equestrian whip is that of a whipping action or that of a tapping action.

In a further embodiment, a first alert is provided to the jockey when the accumulative whip action count is one count less than the predetermined maximum whip count 30 threshold. A second alert is then provided to the jockey when the accumulative whip action count is equal to the predetermined maximum whip count threshold.

In a further embodiment, the sensor comprises a plurality of sensors. The sensor, or plurality of sensors, is located adjacent the distal end of the shaft of the equestrian

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whip. Preferably, the sensor, or plurality of sensors, is located in a lowermost quarter portion of the shaft, adjacent the distal end of the shaft.

In a preferred embodiment, the counter and the alerting means are located in the 5 handle of the equestrian whip. However, it will be readily appreciated that the distribution of the counter and the alerting means, as well as a power source and further optional component parts such as a processor, a vibrator, an audio device and the like may be spread throughout the equestrian whip to provide a balanced and/or familiar feel to the equestrian whip from the jockey's point of view.

10

In a further embodiment, the equestrian whip may further comprise a reset switch which will reset the accumulative whip action count to zero. Clearly, this reset switch will be used prior to a race.

15 In a preferred embodiment, the reset switch may only be operated by an authorised operator, such as a steward of the horse race meeting or of the regulatory body overseeing the horse race meeting.

In a further embodiment, the equestrian whip comprises a power source. Preferably, 20 the power source maybe a battery although it will be appreciated that other powering means, such as kinetic powered quartz means may be used.

The present invention is further directed to an equestrian whip for use by a jockey during a horse race, wherein the equestrian whip comprises a shaft with a handle at a 25 proximal end of the shaft and a flexible flap at a distal end of the shaft; wherein, the equestrian whip further comprises a sensor for determining when a whipping action has occurred, a counter in communication with the sensor for maintaining an active whip count, and an alerting means in communication with the counter for warning the jockey on every occasion that the sensor has determined that a whipping action has 30 occurred.

In a further embodiment, the alerting means also warns the jockey when the accumulative whip action count has reached a predetermined whip count threshold.

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In one embodiment, the alerting means comprises a plurality of illumination devices. Preferably, in sequence, one of the plurality of illumination devices is lit on each occasion that the sensor has determined a whipping action has occurred.

5 Detailed Description of Embodiments

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

10

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a whip; and,

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of an electronic circuit used in the whip of Figure 1.

15

Referring to Figure 1, there is provided an equestrian whip indicated generally by reference numeral 100. The equestrian whip 100 comprises a shaft 102 terminating in a handle 104 at a proximal end of the shaft 102, and a flap 106 at a distal end of the shaft 102. It will be understood that the shaft 102 is semi-flexible.

20

A sensor 108 is located, within the shaft 102 of the equestrian whip 100, adjacent the distal end of the shaft 102. It will be understood that the sensor 108 may alternatively be located on an exterior of the shaft 102; however, in order to comply with commonly used horse racing regulations, the sensor 108 is preferably embedded within the shaft 25 102 so that the exterior surface of the shaft 102 is substantially smooth.

The sensor 108 is powered by a power source (not shown). The power source may preferably be a battery but could otherwise be a kinetically charged power source, which would power the sensor 108 and would be charged by the kinetic movement of 30 the equestrian whip 100.

The sensor 108 is communicatively connected with a counter 110. It will be appreciated that the counter 110 is preferably embodied by a processor which may also carry out additional control and management functions on other component parts

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of the equestrian whip 100. The counter 110 receives a signal from the sensor 108.

A decision as to whether the equestrian whip 100 has been used in a whipping action, or simply in a tapping action, may be made by the sensor 108 or by the counter 110.

5

It will be appreciated that if the decision is made by the sensor 108, then the signal sent from the sensor 108 to the counter 110 will only be transmitted if a whipping action has been determined to have occurred.

10 If processing means in the counter 110 are used to make the decision, then it will be understood that the signal sent from the sensor 108 to the counter 110 would contain information on the quantitative level of force measured by the sensor 108, the spatial movement measured by the sensor 108, the acceleration or deceleration measured by the sensor 108 or other such information as may be used by the counter 110 in 15 determining whether a whipping action as opposed to a tapping action has taken place.

It will be understood that the whipping action can be defined by a preset limit, measured force or pressure, exerted on the horse by the equestrian whip 100. 20 Alternatively, the whipping action may be defined by the trajectory of the equestrian whip 100, and in particular the flap 106, prior to coming into contact with the horse. The quantitive level of velocity, acceleration and/or deceleration of the equestrian whip 100 may be used to define a whipping action from a tapping action.

25 It will be further understood that a tapping action would be defined as being a light brush, or tap, of the equestrian whip 100 against the horse in order to remind the horse that the jockey is on board and/or to straighten and correct the direction that the horse is moving in.

30 In one embodiment, the decision is made by comparing a measured parameter, such as one or more of those listed hereinabove, against a preset limit to determine if the measured parameter of the is above or below a preset limit.

In a further embodiment, the decision is made by comparing a measured parameter,

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such as one or more of those listed hereinabove, against a upper preset limit and a lower preset limit to indicate a certain whipping action or a certain tapping action, respectively. Any measured parameter falling between the upper preset limit and lower preset limit may be deemed to be too vague to clearly be determined as either a 5 whipping action or a tapping action and may be left to the discretion of the stewards. The equestrian whip 100 may be designed to either indicate a whipping action, or not, if the measured parameter falls between the upper preset limit and lower preset limit. The upper preset limit may be 10% above the preset limit. The lower preset limit may be 10% below the preset limit.

10

The counter 108 maintains an accumulating count of whipping actions that have taken place since the last reset of the counter 108. The reset of the counter 108 may be achieved through a reset switch 114.

15 The accumulating count of whipping actions is referred to as the accumulative whip action count in this specification. A predetermined whip count threshold will have been set prior to the horse race, and the counter 108 will perform a check of the accumulative whip action count against the predetermined whip count threshold to determine if the number of whipping actions performed by the jockey using the 20 equestrian whip 100 during the horse race has reached the predetermined whip count threshold. It will be readily understood that the counter 108 may be formed by a separate counting device and a separate processing device, whereby the separate counting device simply maintains the accumulative whip action count and this accumulative whip action count is relayed to the separate processor to perform the 25 comparison of the accumulative whip action count against the predetermined whip count threshold.

If the accumulative whip action count reaches the predetermined whip count threshold, an alerting device 112 is activated to warn the jockey that the predetermined whip 30 count threshold has been reached. It will be understood that the alerting device 112 is preferably a vibrator as this is considered to be the most effective way of relaying this information to the jockey during a race. However, alternative means of warning the jockey may be used in place of, or in combination with, the vibrator.

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For example, illumination devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and the like may be used. In one embodiment, a plurality of LEDs may be provided, with one of the plurality of LEDs being lit on each occasion that a whipping action is detected by the sensor 108. The plurality of LEDs may be provided on the equestrian whip 100 or may 5 alternatively be provided on a harness, such as a bit collar, which is viewable by the jockey during the horse race. In such an instance, the plurality of LEDs would be powered separately and would be in wireless communication with the equestrian whip 100.

10 In a further example, audio means could be used to provide the warning to the jockey. The audio means could be simply a powerful speaker built into the equestrian whip 100, or alternatively could be an earpiece worn by the jockey which is in wireless communication with the equestrian whip 100. For example, a personal area network (PAN) wireless protocol such as the protocol generally known under the registered 15 trade mark BLUETOOTH, may be used to form a pairing connection between the equestrian whip 100 with the earpiece. A separate wireless protocol pairing would be established for each of the equestrian whips 100 and the corresponding earpieces, which were to be used during a horse race. Other Personal Area Networks (PAN) wireless protocols such as the protocol generally known under the registered trade 20 mark WIFI, RF-Lite, the protocol generally known under the registered trade mark ZIGBEE, and/or Ultra Wideband (UWB) could be used in place of BLUETOOTH.

In a further preferred embodiment, the audio means could be built into a jockey's racing helmet.

25

Upon the jockey receiving the warning that they had performed the maximum number of whipping actions, the jockey would understand that they cannot use the equestrian whip 100 any more in that race, or otherwise risk sanctioning by the regulatory body overseeing the horse race. Under British Horseracing Authority regulations, the 30 predetermined whip count threshold would be set at seven for flat races and at eight for jump races.

In a preferred embodiment, the jockey would receive a first warning when the have used the equestrian whip 100 one time less than the predetermined whip count

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threshold. Alternatively, the first warning could be given then the jockey used the equestrian whip 100 two times less than the predetermined whip count threshold. In this embodiment, the second warning would be given when the jockey has used the equestrian whip 100 the same number of times as set by the predetermined whip 5 count threshold. The first warning could be in the form of a short activation of the alerting means 112. For example, a brief vibration if the alerting means 112 is a vibrator, or alternatively by a brief flashing of an illumination means or brief beeping by an audio device if the alerting means 112 is an illumination means or audio device respectively. The second warning would preferable be a longer activation of the

10 alerting means 112. It will be understood that the warnings provided to the jockey may be tailored to suit the jockey's needs and preferences.

With reference to Figure 2, wherein like parts previously referred to have been assigned the same reference numerals, there is shown a component layout 200 of

15 some of the component parts used in the present invention of the equestrian whip (not shown).

A power source 202 is connected to, and powers, the sensor 108, the counter 110 and the alerting means 112.

20

The sensor 108 is communicatively connected to the counter 110 by a communication link 204, and, the counter 110 is communicatively connected to the alerting means 112 by a communication line 206.

25 It will be readily understood that the counter 110 will preferably be a processor and the processor will perform the determination as to whether a use of the equestrian whip is a whipping action or a tapping action; and, the processor will also control the alerting means 112.

30 The reset switch 114 is connected to the counter 110 and can be used to reset the accumulative whip action count to zero. In one embodiment, the operation of this reset switch 114 is restricted to authorised stewards of the regulatory body overseeing the horse race. In this manner, a jockey would be prevented from accidentally, or intentionally, operating the reset switch 114 during a race.

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Therefore, with this embodiment, the accumulative whip action count as maintained on the counter 110 of the equestrian whip may be used by stewards in the regulatory body as evidence in any ensuing sanctions that may be taken against a jockey for alleged misuse of the equestrian whip.

5

Ina further embodiment, the equestrian whip 100 may comprise a wireless link to a central controller. The wireless link can be used to convey the accumulative whip action count, raw measurement data in the form of the sensor signal from the senor, a whip action signal which has been derived at using the raw measurement 10 data from the sensor, or other such data from the whip to the central controller. The central controller will be preferably operated by a steward in charge of the race. In this manner, each whipping action or the raw measurement data from the sensor representing a whipping action or non-whipping action can be wirelessly relayed to the central controller for analysis at the central controller. It is foreseen 15 that the jockey will not receive any feedback on the accumulative whip action count during a race if it is desired to maintain this mental act as a task required to be carried out by the jockey so as to increase the difficulty level of the race; however, in this embodiment, the accumulative whip action count would be available to the steward for comparison with predetermined guideline thresholds or 20 predetermined regulatory thresholds, and ultimately for compliance with these predetermined thresholds.

The whip of the present invention has been devised to be used during horse racing although it will be appreciated that such a whip could be used in other 25 sports where a whip is used to control, drive and discipline a racing animal. Such sports include, inter alia, trap racing, pony racing, elephant racing, dog sleigh racing, camel racing and other races involving race animals.

The terms "comprise" and "include", and any variations thereof required for 30 grammatical reasons, are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.

17

Claims

1. A whip for use by a jockey during a race, the whip comprising a sensor for detecting a whipping action; a counter suitable for maintaining an 5 accumulative whip action count which is increased by a count of one on detection of a whipping action; and, means for reporting the accumulative whip action count to an interested party.

2. A whip as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the means for reporting the 10 accumulative whip action count to an interested party comprises a sensory output for alerting the jockey using the whip.

3. A whip as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the sensory output comprises an audio signal.

15

4. A whip as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the audio signal emanates from a speaker on the whip.

5. A whip as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the audio signal emanates from a

20 speaker on a helmet worn by the jockey.

6. A whip as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the audio signal emanates from an earpiece worn by the jockey, whereby the earpiece is connected to the whip.

25

7. A whip as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the audio signal emanates from an earpiece worn by the jockey, whereby the earpiece is wirelessly connected to the whip.

30

8. A whip as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the sensory output comprises a visual signal.

9. A whip as claimed in claim 8, wherein, the visual signal emanates from a light source on the whip.

18

10. A whip as claimed in claim 9, wherein, the light source on the whip is a light emitting diode (LED).

5

11. A whip as claimed in claim 8, wherein, the visual signal emanates from a light source on a harness worn by a race animal.

12. A whip as claimed in claim 11, wherein, the light source on the harness is a light emitting diode (LED).

10

13. A whip as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the sensory output comprises a tactile signal.

14. A whip as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the tactile signal emanates from a

15 vibrator in the whip.

15. A whip as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count to an interested party comprises a data output means suitable for informing a race steward about a jockey's use of

20 the whip during a race.

16. A whip as claimed in claim 15, wherein, the data output means comprises a wireless transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting the accumulative whip action count to a co-operating wireless receiver operated by the 25 steward.

17. A whip as claimed in claim 16, wherein, the wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits the accumulative whip action count to the co-operating wireless receiver in real time during the race.

30

18. A whip as claimed in claim 16, wherein, the wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits the accumulative whip action count to the co-operating wireless receiver after the race has finished.

19

19. A whip as claimed in claim 15, wherein, the data output means comprises a socket suitable for receiving a co-operating plug connected to a steward's computing device, so as to form a wired connection between the whip and the steward's computing device to transmit the accumulative whip action

5 count to the steward.

20. A whip as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, the counter is reset to zero at the beginning of every race.

10

21. A whip as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the counter may only be reset to zero by a steward using a passcode.

22. A whip as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count is activated by an activation

15 signal from the counter.

23. A whip as claimed in claim 22, wherein, the counter compares the accumulative whip action count to a predetermined whip count threshold to determine if the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count

20 should be activated.

24. A whip as claimed in claim 23, wherein, the predetermined whip count threshold may be set to any value by the jockey so that the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count to the interested party is

25 utilised at the jockey's preferred instance.

25. A whip as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21, wherein, the whip further comprises a processor; the processor receives a counter signal from the counter; the processor being further connected to the means for reporting

30 the accumulative whip action count, whereby, the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count is activated by an activation signal from the processor.

26.

A whip as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21, wherein, the whip further

20

comprises a processor; the processor receives a sensor signal from the sensor; the processor being further connected to the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count, whereby, the processor evaluates the sensor signal to determine if a whipping action has occurred, and if so, the 5 processor increases the accumulative whip action count by a count of one and compares the accumulative whip action count against a predetermined whip count threshold to determine if the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count should be activated, and if so, the means for reporting the accumulative whip action count is activated by an 10 activation signal from the processor.

27. A whip as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, the sensor comprises a motion sensor.

15

28. A whip as claimed in claim 27, wherein, the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer.

29. A whip as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26, wherein, the sensor comprises a force sensor.

20

30. A whip as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, the sensor outputs a sensor signal representative of a measured parameter.

31. A whip as claimed in claim 30, wherein, the measured parameter is

25 velocity.

32. A whip as claimed in claim 30, wherein, the measured parameter is acceleration.

30

33. A whip as claimed in claim 30, wherein, the measured parameter is deceleration.

34. A whip as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, the sensor comprises a processing means to analyse a sensor signal representative of

21

a measured parameter so as to determine whether a whipping action has occurred, and means for outputting a whipping action signal which is indicative of whether a whipping action occurred or not.

5

35. A whip as claimed in claim 34, wherein, the measured parameter is velocity.

36. A whip as claimed in claim 34, wherein, the measured parameter is acceleration.

10

37. A whip as claimed in claim 34, wherein, the measured parameter is deceleration.

38. A whip as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, the whip detects 15 the whipping action by comparing a sensor signal, which is output from the sensor and which is representative of a measured parameter, against a preset limit.

39. A whip as claimed in claim 38, wherein, the whip detects the whipping 20 action by comparing a sensor signal, which is output from the sensor and which is representative of a measured parameter, against an upper preset limit and/or a lower preset limit, whereby if the sensor signal is equal to or greater than the upper preset limit then a certain whipping action is determined to have occurred, or, if the sensor signal is equal to or less than 25 the lower preset limit then a certain non-whipping action is determined to have occurred.

40. A whip as claimed in claims 38 or 39, wherein, the sensor comprises processing means to detect the whipping action.

30

41. A whip as claimed in claims 38 or 39, wherein, the whip comprises a processor to detect the whipping action.

42.

A whip as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, the whip further

22

comprises a power source.

43. A whip as claimed in claim 42, wherein, the power source is a kinetically-powered rechargeable battery.

5

44. A whip as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

45. A method of monitoring usage of a whip on a racehorse by a jockey during 10 a race comprising the steps of:

detecting a whipping action by the jockey by use of a whipping sensor embedded in the whip;

upon detection of a whipping action, increasing an accumulative whipping action count by a count of one; and, 15 - comparing the accumulative whipping action count to a predetermined whipping action threshold for compliance with racing regulations.

46. A method of monitoring usage of a whip as hereinbefore described with 20 reference to any of the accompanying drawings.