Further restrictions on whip use are to be introduced, limiting the number of times it can be used before the final 100 metres of a race.

Since 2009, jockeys have been allowed to use the whip in a forehand action five times with no restriction on backhand use.

But from December 1, they will only be able to use the whip in either manner five times before the 100m.

Racing Australia will also introduce stiffer penalties for whip offences with emphasis on the suspensions for breaches of the rule in Group and Listed races.

The national chairmen of stewards committee will develop a template of penalties similar to the one which applies to careless riding offences.

"The changes to the whip rules in 2009 introduced limits on the number and manner of whip strikes which in conjunction with a padded whip has ensured the welfare of the horse," RA chairman John Messara said.

"However, too great a reliance on the backhand application of the whip has developed in response to the limits imposed on the forehand application.

"... we have decided that backhand strikes should be treated in the same way as forehand strikes so as to leave no room for misinterpretation of the rules against excessive use."