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14 Oct 11
15:09
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05 Jan 10
in response to jockeys' detailed concerns and Mondays threatened strike action
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PJA RELEASE WHIP RULE STATEMENT
sportinglife.com The PJA have released a statement reiterating that Jockeys as a group welcomed the move towards greater precision in the amended rules, but are unhappy with the new penalties for infringements of the rules. However, whilst the statement urged the BHA to respond positively and urgently, there was no mention of any proposed jockeys strike to take place on Monday, as rumours had suggested may be the case. Richard Hughes, one of the senior figures in the weighing room, last night relinquished his licence after picking up his second ban in four days since the new instructions were introduced at the start of the week. Hughes said he would not consider riding again until the rules changed. Professional Jockeys Association statement: The Professional Jockeys Association this afternoon (FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER) submitted written proposals to the British Horseracing Authority concerning the new whip rules that apply to Jockeys. The recommendations from the Jockeys include revisions to the range of penalties for infringements as well as some further clarifications of the rules themselves. PJA Chief Executive Kevin Darley reiterated that Jockeys as a group welcomed the move towards greater precision in the amended rules. "What Jockeys do have concerns about however, are the new penalties for what they perceive to be relatively minor infringements of the rules," he said. "The PJA believes very strongly that this aspect needs to be re-considered." He stressed that Jockeys understood how important it is that the sport of racing conveys the correct message about horse welfare to the public. The PJA said that it hoped the BHA would respond positively and urgently to the proposals. The three racecourses due to stage fixtures on Monday have not been told of any strike planned by jockeys in protest at new whip regulations which came into effect this week. Windsor, Pontefract and Plumpton are all scheduled to race, yet speculation mounts about possibility of industrial action. Richard Hughes, one of the senior figures in the weighing room, relinquished his licence after picking up his second ban in four days since the new instructions regarding the whip were introduced on Monday. However, despite no jockeys appearing against the name of any horse at Windsor on the official British Horseracing Authority administration site, the racecourse were unwilling to confirm or deny if they had been advised of any action. A spokesman said: "We're not getting involved and have no comment to make." Pontefract and Plumpton said they had not been contacted. A spokeswoman for Pontefract said: "We've seen what has been going on regarding the whip but nobody has contacted us to say there is a strike." Plumpton's spokesman said: "We've heard the rumours but have not had any contact with anybody." Racehorse Owners Association president Rachel Hood, wife of trainer John Gosden, hopes strike action can be averted and that a meeting can be arranged "immediately". "Along with the rest of racing, the ROA is extremely disappointed that the new whip rules have led to this controversy, especially at a time when the racing world should be basking in the positive publicity of British Champions Day," she said. "We very much hope the jockeys will pull back from taking action until the BHA and PJA can meet. "Such a meeting must take place immediately and must be conducted in a climate where the jockeys' concerns are listened to and acted upon. "The PJA's chief executive Kevin Darley is a very reasonable man who understands the importance of balancing the anxiety of his members with the requirements of racing's regulator. "We, as fellow horsemen, support him in his endeavours to find a quick solution to what has already become a damaging dispute." |
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Richard Hughes fined £140.00 for not taking his mounts today
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I have lost all sympathy for them. one minute its the rules and now its the fines. they are thinking from their pockets and not from a reacing perspective. if they are going to do it at least do it right.
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So the main problem is that the jockeys are more concerned with the penalties than the amount of hits they are allowed with the whip.
So all rolloxs about not being able to do their job properly. |
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jamie osborne
WANTED: Jockey at Windsor on Monday. |
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^ can't do their job properly - wont win ( lose money), do their job - get banned(lose money).
Its their living ffs. not in it for the fun. |
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£140 Fine talk about rubbing salt into sore wounds.
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AD - why is that funny ?
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The jockeys have been poorly led and brow beaten into accepting ridiculous rules and ludicrous penalties.
No jockey should ever be suspended ever.This persecution has to stop. |
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Michael Bell
So frustrating that racing is tearing itself apart over the whip. 7 means 7! But the punishments don't fit the crime. #letstalk |
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It's lost on you is it Facts? Because they don't even know there own rules and trust a fk up in their rules to involve R.H. The rule states he gets fined £140 a horse but they only fined him £140 for today.
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"Such a meeting must take place immediately and must be conducted in a climate where the jockeys' concerns are listened to and acted upon." - irrespective of what these concerns might be! This is just the attitude that ended with Richard Hughes chucking his toys out of the pram.
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I'm wrong also...It's double a horse
BAND B 1st horse £140 2nd £280 horse, 3rd horse £560 |
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Without using a well worn phrase...
'The jockeys have the whip hand' |
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yes Gerry........behaving like spoilt children.
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TOM QUEALLY
14 October 2011 It’s a terrible shame that what is meant to be the biggest day’s racing for a long, long time, has been completely overshadowed by the whip controversy, which came to a head on Thursday when Richard Hughes relinquished his licence. Introducing the new rules this week is rank bad timing and it’s appalling for the sponsors QIPCO, who have invested so much into Flat racing and the British Champions Series. All the talk today should have been about the British Champions Day at Ascot, but there hasn’t been a word about it. I feel very sorry for the sponsors. I obviously also feel sorry for Richard Hughes, who I am pretty friendly with and is one of the most respected guys in the weighing room. He’s hit his horse six times on the two occasions he’s been done, and he gets a 15-day ban for it. As Martin Dwyer said, it’s like getting 15 years for stealing a loaf of bread. Only hitting the horse five times in the final furlong is where the rule falls down. If it was seven in total, then I think most jockeys could live with that. And as Richard told Racing UK yesterday, it’s actually encouraging jockeys to hit the horse twice before the final furlong – when more often than not they don’t need to. As a jockey you want to travel as long as you can on the bridle and without hitting them. I didn’t have a problem with the BHA revising the rules, but they shouldn’t compartmentalise a race, it should be a maximum of seven hits allowed at any time in a race, and the penalties need to be far less draconian. There is talk of a strike on Monday, and certainly some action needs to be taken. Richard said he felt sorry for me if I was in a position where I would have to exceed the seven on Frankel to get him home by a short head. My job is to extract the best out of my horse and any jockey worth his salt has an overwhelming desire to win, but obviously rules have to be obeyed. It’s a very difficult scenario and one that jockeys shouldn’t be thrust into. Hopefully it won’t come to that on Frankel, when we line up for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. He’s long odds-on and deservedly so. The course and distance will suit him, and he’s been doing everything absolutely right at home. Of course, no race is a piece of cake, especially a Group 1, and Excelebration and Immortal Verse could give us something to worry about. But providing we have a bit of luck, he has the form in the book to win this and hopefully that’s the case. I’ve got a good winning chance too on Vita Nova in the Fillies’ and Mares’ race. Crystal Capella, Vita Nova, Verdoos all are dangers, while Jim Bolger’s (Banimpire) has to be respected especially after last week. But Vita Nova ran a cracking race last time, when a close second to Blue Bunting in the Yorkshire Oaks, and a repeat of that run would give her a big chance. I’m going for my third straight win in the Champion Stakes, but I’ll be on Midday this time, while Ian (Mongan) takes the ride on Twice Over, who I rode to win the race the last two years. Both horses are very closely matched and I can’t imagine there will be much between them, which was the case at York. Midday never runs a bad race and she seems in great form at home and has as good a chance as any, as does Twice Over. I think it’s between Frankie and I for top jockey in the QIPCO British Champions Series, and should I prevail, I’d like to give three charities a mention, who will be beneficiaries. Direct Aid For Africa (www.dafa.co.uk) would get £15,000, and Save Historic Newmarket (www.historicnewmarket.co.uk) and Jack and Jill Foundation (www.jackandjill.ie), which provides care and support for children with severe neurological development issues, would each get £5,000. Finally I am off to Canada on Sunday morning to ride Bronze Cannon for Herman Brown in the Canadian International at Woodbine, which is live on Racing UK. He made a good comeback to finish second at Kempton last time, but we have a bit to find on that and an outside draw to overcome, but he likes travelling and hopefully won’t be too far away. Please credit racinguk.com if any copy is reproduced |
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14 Oct 2011
BHA Statement on new whip rules and penalties The British Horseracing Authority yesterday confirmed that it was listening to jockeys’ concerns about the new whip Rules and that it had asked for and would consider any formal submission the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) chose to make on this subject. We have this afternoon received a short submission from the PJA. The BHA has today invited the PJA to attend a planned Board meeting of the Authority on Monday so that they can elaborate further on the submission they have made before further detailed consideration by the BHA’s Review Group. The PJA has accepted this invitation. This dialogue will build on constructive talks we held with the PJA on Tuesday. Throughout the process of amending the rules on use of the whip and associated penalties the BHA has worked closely with representatives of the PJA and we are encouraged that they recognise our commitment to thorough consultation. We will not be suspending the current Rules pending these discussions, but we do commit to resolving this matter as quickly as possible while ensuring that due process is followed. In light of the positive dialogue taking place between the BHA and the PJA we urge everyone involved in racing to engage with this process and to work with us to take the sport forward with no disruption to the racing programme. Notes to Editors: In light of the impending Board meeting on Monday, it would be inappropriate for the BHA to make any further comment at this stage. For more information contact: Paul Struthers British Horseracing Authority t:0207 152 0166 m:07966 590105 e: pstruthers@britishhorseracing.com |
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Also on the BHA website
Cloud over weighing room - Hanagan Champion jockey Paul Hanagan feels there is a "cloud" hanging over the weighing room as the argument over the new whip regulations rumbles on. Hanagan feels sympathy for colleague Richard Hughes, who relinquished his licence on Thursday night after picking up a second ban in a matter of days, and says the punishment does not fit the crime. Writing on his www.attheraces.com blog, Hanagan, who pipped Hughes in a monumental tussle for the championship last season, admits he is finding it difficult to adapt. "Make no mistake, there will hardly be a jockey with a licence who won't have sympathy with Richard Hughes and I, for one, understand his frustration," said Hanagan. "I can assure you that in all the time I've been riding the atmosphere in the weighing room has never been so bad, there's a cloud hanging over it. "My view on the penalties is that they just don't fit the crime and are totally out of proportion. The ironic thing is that it's the easiest rule to implement and police by just watching a TV screen and counting the number of strokes. "But in the heat of a race, especially a big one, there are plenty of other things to think about as well as the number of times you've used the whip. I've been practising since before it came out and I do find it difficult." Apprentice jockey Antioco Murgia was found in breach of the new regulations at Haydock on Friday. Riding My Destination in the TRC Maiden for Mahmood Al Zarooni, he got a good late run out of his charge, just failing to reel in long-time leader and hot favourite Beyond Conceit. However, the stewards ruled that Murgia had used his whip with excessive frequency and suspended him for five days. He also forfeited his riding fee and any percentage of prize money. Declan Cannon was found guilty of breaching the new regulations at Redcar. He rode Categorical to finish second in the Sam Hall Memorial Handicap but was found guilty of using his whip with excessive frequency and was also banned for five days. |
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I was 1st to tip up a strike
 ..............G.L.to em. |
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I,ve come to the conclusion that the leaders of the BHA are undercover Animal Rights Activists,and this whole thing is designed to destroy racing! No other explanation makes sense. No-one could be as stupid as to pass these ludicrous rules
without realising the resultant furore that would break out. |
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rogg id say to em well done all the big N/H horses that take the p1ss retired & going to the knackers ...UNLESS you all rip up £40 a week each.
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To keep em
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OH! Dear
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all a load of tat these rules should be binned at once and let the jocks get on with riding the bl00dy osses.
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if the trainer cant train a horse to enter the stalls, train a horse mentally and physically to race and run straight then dont bother training. If a jockey can only ride out a race abusing his horse then dont bother riding SIMPLES !
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Horses are like people....................not all as straight as Y M8
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So how much consultation was there? Seems a key issue to me. Nobody comes out of this with credit however a HEAD needs to roll at the BHA if they have messed up don't you think. Strikes me as though not everybody there is singing off the same hymn sheet and is power a problem? You cannot help think it might well be.
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SPEAK FOR YOURSELF M8
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Bleak reply....................wich i respect
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BEEN A BOOKMAKER since 1978 and enjoyed the best sport in the world BUT we have to respect the times we live in ,when people look back in years to come and see animals no matter how well cared for being pussed ,dragged, blindfolded to enter stalls then being hit for our profit not enjoymemt what reason or excuse do we offer, please advise
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Doubt if you were a bookmaker.
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No body wants to see em abused...............i thought the rules were OK,,,,,,,,,,,could have made em stricter but this
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wildmanfromborneo
had betting offices ,greyhound and many racecourse pitches . Which part of borneo are you from ? |
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Oh dear , this will be the straw that's breaks the Camels back .
Jockeys going on strike because they cant hit horses ....You couldn't make it up TOTAL ban is just around the corner |
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It's nothing to do the actual whip rule itself it's the penalties. It can't be right, you can't be fined 15 times for the same offence. Take R.Hughes he breaks the rule(which everyone accepts even R Hughes) so he pays his fine of riding fee + whatever winnings but he dosen't end up paying the fine there and then, the fine keeps going on for over 2 weeks. He's now paying the same fine over and over. He has a chance of having 6 rides a day and of riding a winner a day for 15 days so he's fined another (at least) 90 riding fees and at least 15 winning percentages. So he's in fact found guilty 15 times. . .joke isn't it...it's not the law it's the penalty that they are complaining about
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i agree and thats a pity too mamy jockeys rely on the whip today rarther than hand riding skills ,theses new rules seem to highlight this
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Just ban the whip
Joe Public will just hear , Jockeys going on strike because they cant thrash horses anymore |
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A.D.
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A board meeting on Monday? They are taking the p i ss the BHA.
The rules remain in place. Typical g utless reaction from a bunch who are unable to recognise they f u ck ed up. They will slither and slide and try to make it appear that they are in total control and not giving an inch to the industry. You could not make it up. And the PJA and Darley sound particularly weak. They need a proper trade union convenor to sort them out and make sure the charge they have started becomes a total and convincing victory. These desk jockey's at the BHA are currently planning how to ambush the jockey's and make it look like they, the BHA, are not only in total control but are the winners in this debacle. |