Labour is at odds with horse racing chiefs over plans to review jockeys’ use of whips.
The party unveiled an animal welfare manifesto, with policies aiming to protect creatures’ rights not only in the UK but globally.
In a 50-point plan it says racing whip use “is allowed for two purposes – to keep rider and mount safe and for ‘encouragement’.”
Its independent review aims to establish if the second factor is justified and will not address the first.
Shadow Environment Secretary Sue Hayman said: “This will bring UK animal welfare policy into the 21st century.
"It will ensure our animal rights protections are equal to or better than anywhere else.”
The British Horseracing Authority said it has “strict rules on whips, which are foam-padded”.
These limit usage to seven times in a flat race and eight over jumps.
A horse must be “in contention or clearly winning”. Jockeys who disobey face suspension.
Other animal manifesto policies include bans on “trophy-hunting” imports, lab tests and shock collars.
The League Against Cruel Sports said: “We commend the party.”
