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21 Oct 11
10:53
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Date Joined:
05 Jan 10
The Board of the British Horseracing Authority today announces adjustments to the Rules on the use of the whip in Horseracing, following discussions with representatives of the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and other stakeholders earlier this week.
Around a year ago, the Authority commenced a review of the use of the whip in Horseracing, focusing on the need for such use, any potential equine welfare issues and the effectiveness of the existing penalty structure. Whilst this process was commenced before the issue was brought to wider public attention, the importance of the review was highlighted by the widespread and significant public comment following a number of high-profile breaches of the Rules.
The process was formalised in April 2011 with a Review encompassing wide consultation both within and outside the industry and led by a dedicated Review Group. The resulting report – ‘A Review of the use of the whip in Horseracing’ – set out clear principles behind the role of the whip in the sport and the need to ensure that the Rules surrounding its use robustly safeguarded the welfare of both jockeys and horses, and protected and enhanced the reputation of Racing. The Review was clear regarding the need to achieve behavioural change amongst jockeys and others; a change in attitudes towards the whip was required.
The Review was approved by the Authority’s Board and widely endorsed upon publication, including by jockeys both in the statement issued by the Authority and independently by the PJA in their own statement of 27th September. However, following the introduction of the new Rules some concerns were raised by the PJA regarding their implementation and, in light of this, the Authority invited the PJA to make representations to the Authority’s Board.
The Board emphasises that it must be the role of the Regulator, not the sport’s participants, to set and enforce the Rules. Regulation cannot be a negotiation, but must involve due consultation. Having undertaken regulatory due process and given careful consideration to the concerns raised by the PJA, the Board has decided that the following Rule adjustments be made:
1. Removal of the numerical limits in place on the use of the whip in the final stages of races (the last furlong of a Flat race and after the last obstacle in a Jumps race). It should be noted in this context that numerical limits on the use of the whip in the final stages of races were in place prior to the new Rules being introduced, including in the final furlong. Numerical limits relating to the number of times that the whip can be used in total throughout a race will remain in place (up to seven times in a Flat race and eight times in a Jumps race). Again, the Board emphasises that these numbers must be viewed as upper limits and not a target number for jockeys in races.
2. Jockeys’ riding fees will no longer be included in the penalties for whip offences.
3. The number of days’ suspension for whip Rule breaches before the jockey’s prize money percentage will be forfeited is to be increased from 3 to 7 days. The effect of this is that where a jockey has used the whip one more time than is allowed under the Rules, the jockey’s prize money percentage will no longer be forfeited, but a suspension will continue to apply.
4. Amending the penalty advice where a rider is referred to the Disciplinary Panel having incurred a fourth suspension of five days or more within the previous 12 months. This advice will be changed to a suspension within the range of two months to six months and an entry point of three months.
These adjustments will take effect from the start of racing this afternoon, Friday 21st October. As with all of the Authority’s work, these adjustments will be subject to constant monitoring. Additionally, clear processes are in place for annual reviews of all Rules.
The Board has also considered the impact on those jockeys who have received penalties that would not have been applied if these adjustments had been in place since the introduction of the new Rules. These penalties will be rescinded and appropriate measures have been taken, including the release of riding fees and prize money where applicable, and riding suspensions either annulled or adjusted.
The Board is committed to the highest standards of regulation in the sport, and ensuring that British Horseracing continues to lead the way in matters of equine welfare.
This is a sport not without its challenges, but they will always be outweighed by the sport's strengths. These challenges will best be met – and are being met – by finding a common purpose amongst the sport’s participants, and by putting the sport first.
Notes to Editors:
The original Review document - "Responsible Regulation: A Review of the use of the whip in Horseracing" - can be found at www.britishhorseracing.com/whip-review/
For more information contact:
Robin Mounsey
British Horseracing Authority
t:02071520048
m:07584171551
e: rmounsey@britishhorseracing.com
Around a year ago, the Authority commenced a review of the use of the whip in Horseracing, focusing on the need for such use, any potential equine welfare issues and the effectiveness of the existing penalty structure. Whilst this process was commenced before the issue was brought to wider public attention, the importance of the review was highlighted by the widespread and significant public comment following a number of high-profile breaches of the Rules.
The process was formalised in April 2011 with a Review encompassing wide consultation both within and outside the industry and led by a dedicated Review Group. The resulting report – ‘A Review of the use of the whip in Horseracing’ – set out clear principles behind the role of the whip in the sport and the need to ensure that the Rules surrounding its use robustly safeguarded the welfare of both jockeys and horses, and protected and enhanced the reputation of Racing. The Review was clear regarding the need to achieve behavioural change amongst jockeys and others; a change in attitudes towards the whip was required.
The Review was approved by the Authority’s Board and widely endorsed upon publication, including by jockeys both in the statement issued by the Authority and independently by the PJA in their own statement of 27th September. However, following the introduction of the new Rules some concerns were raised by the PJA regarding their implementation and, in light of this, the Authority invited the PJA to make representations to the Authority’s Board.
The Board emphasises that it must be the role of the Regulator, not the sport’s participants, to set and enforce the Rules. Regulation cannot be a negotiation, but must involve due consultation. Having undertaken regulatory due process and given careful consideration to the concerns raised by the PJA, the Board has decided that the following Rule adjustments be made:
1. Removal of the numerical limits in place on the use of the whip in the final stages of races (the last furlong of a Flat race and after the last obstacle in a Jumps race). It should be noted in this context that numerical limits on the use of the whip in the final stages of races were in place prior to the new Rules being introduced, including in the final furlong. Numerical limits relating to the number of times that the whip can be used in total throughout a race will remain in place (up to seven times in a Flat race and eight times in a Jumps race). Again, the Board emphasises that these numbers must be viewed as upper limits and not a target number for jockeys in races.
2. Jockeys’ riding fees will no longer be included in the penalties for whip offences.
3. The number of days’ suspension for whip Rule breaches before the jockey’s prize money percentage will be forfeited is to be increased from 3 to 7 days. The effect of this is that where a jockey has used the whip one more time than is allowed under the Rules, the jockey’s prize money percentage will no longer be forfeited, but a suspension will continue to apply.
4. Amending the penalty advice where a rider is referred to the Disciplinary Panel having incurred a fourth suspension of five days or more within the previous 12 months. This advice will be changed to a suspension within the range of two months to six months and an entry point of three months.
These adjustments will take effect from the start of racing this afternoon, Friday 21st October. As with all of the Authority’s work, these adjustments will be subject to constant monitoring. Additionally, clear processes are in place for annual reviews of all Rules.
The Board has also considered the impact on those jockeys who have received penalties that would not have been applied if these adjustments had been in place since the introduction of the new Rules. These penalties will be rescinded and appropriate measures have been taken, including the release of riding fees and prize money where applicable, and riding suspensions either annulled or adjusted.
The Board is committed to the highest standards of regulation in the sport, and ensuring that British Horseracing continues to lead the way in matters of equine welfare.
This is a sport not without its challenges, but they will always be outweighed by the sport's strengths. These challenges will best be met – and are being met – by finding a common purpose amongst the sport’s participants, and by putting the sport first.
Notes to Editors:
The original Review document - "Responsible Regulation: A Review of the use of the whip in Horseracing" - can be found at www.britishhorseracing.com/whip-review/
For more information contact:
Robin Mounsey
British Horseracing Authority
t:02071520048
m:07584171551
e: rmounsey@britishhorseracing.com
Show More
By Graham Green racingpost.com
THE BHA review group announced major changes to the controversial whip rules on Friday morning in a last-ditch effort to fend off the threat of strike action by jockeys.
The five-hits edict in the final furlong/after the last obstacles has been dropped, although the limit on strikes remains seven times in a Flat race, and eight over jumps.
Riders will not lose their riding fee if they get banned for a whip offence and will forfeit their prize-money percentage only if receiving a suspension of seven days or more - up from three. Therefore a jockey who uses one more hit than allowed will not lose his or her prize-money percentage.
All whip bans incurred since the introduction of the new harsher regime that came in on October 10 will be subject to the new set of rules.
This means Christophe Soumillon, who lost his £52,000 share of the prize-money when banned for five days after hitting Cirrus Des Aigles six times in the final furlong when winning the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot last Saturday, will now be paid.
The amended rules come into effect from the start of racing today.
The BHA's statement added: "The Board is committed to the highest standards of regulation in the sport, and ensuring that British horseracing continues to lead theway in matters of equine welfare.
"This is a sport not without its challenges, but they will always be outweighed by the sport's strengths. These challenges will best be met – and are being met – by finding a common purpose amongst the sport’s participants, and by putting the sport first
THE BHA review group announced major changes to the controversial whip rules on Friday morning in a last-ditch effort to fend off the threat of strike action by jockeys.
The five-hits edict in the final furlong/after the last obstacles has been dropped, although the limit on strikes remains seven times in a Flat race, and eight over jumps.
Riders will not lose their riding fee if they get banned for a whip offence and will forfeit their prize-money percentage only if receiving a suspension of seven days or more - up from three. Therefore a jockey who uses one more hit than allowed will not lose his or her prize-money percentage.
All whip bans incurred since the introduction of the new harsher regime that came in on October 10 will be subject to the new set of rules.
This means Christophe Soumillon, who lost his £52,000 share of the prize-money when banned for five days after hitting Cirrus Des Aigles six times in the final furlong when winning the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot last Saturday, will now be paid.
The amended rules come into effect from the start of racing today.
The BHA's statement added: "The Board is committed to the highest standards of regulation in the sport, and ensuring that British horseracing continues to lead theway in matters of equine welfare.
"This is a sport not without its challenges, but they will always be outweighed by the sport's strengths. These challenges will best be met – and are being met – by finding a common purpose amongst the sport’s participants, and by putting the sport first
Ger Lyons Racing
Ok can we all get back to normal now & forget the WHIP! What will journalists have to write about now? Oh yea... The jocks & the exchanges
Cornelius Lysaght
Whip: Richard Hughes ban amongst penalties rescinded says BHA
bha Penalties rescinded, incl. release of riding fees and prize money where applicable. Richard Hughes ban does not stand. Jockeys will no longer lose riding fees in races in which they are in breach of the rules, but will still forfeit their % of prize money
just to clarify, Stewards DO have discretion for whip strikes for safety purposes. This was part of original rules changes
Ok can we all get back to normal now & forget the WHIP! What will journalists have to write about now? Oh yea... The jocks & the exchanges
Cornelius Lysaght
Whip: Richard Hughes ban amongst penalties rescinded says BHA
bha Penalties rescinded, incl. release of riding fees and prize money where applicable. Richard Hughes ban does not stand. Jockeys will no longer lose riding fees in races in which they are in breach of the rules, but will still forfeit their % of prize money
just to clarify, Stewards DO have discretion for whip strikes for safety purposes. This was part of original rules changes
an embarrassing compromise really. BHA have restrospectively moved the goalposts to rescind the ludicrous fine on Soumillon, but what would they have done if he struck the horse seven times in the last furlong? it doesn't appear to be a rethink, just a fudge of the boundaries
Please tell me the fat oaf wasn't dragged up...
if he doesnt keep his big fat fecking trap shut I say we have a "whip" round
As Scu said the only sport where the rule breakers are rewarded. If a player is offside and the ref blows him offside and the player scores then runs up to the ref and say "Why are you disallowing the goal?" The Ref says "Because you were offside" And the player says "I have to appeal to you, i don't think i was offside". The ref doesn't say "Oh alright i'll give you that goal then" ..Does he eck?. Tthe BHA tho a different sport run to the same principles. They are lily livered imo
sportinglife.com
Christophe Soumillon is "delighted" at the news the BHA have amended the new whip rules.
He will now receive the substantial percentage of the prize-money for winning the Qipco Champion Stakes on Cirrus Des Aigles at Ascot last Saturday having originally been stripped of £52,000 and suspended five days.
He had appealed against the ban he received and was understandably thrilled he would no longer have to take any action.
"I'm delighted at news, not only for myself but for all the UK jockeys in particular, and horseracing in general," he said.
"Well done to the BHA for listening and turning things around, today is a big day."
Christophe Soumillon is "delighted" at the news the BHA have amended the new whip rules.
He will now receive the substantial percentage of the prize-money for winning the Qipco Champion Stakes on Cirrus Des Aigles at Ascot last Saturday having originally been stripped of £52,000 and suspended five days.
He had appealed against the ban he received and was understandably thrilled he would no longer have to take any action.
"I'm delighted at news, not only for myself but for all the UK jockeys in particular, and horseracing in general," he said.
"Well done to the BHA for listening and turning things around, today is a big day."
Paul Roy, Jamie Stier and Tim Morris speak to the BBC about the adjustments to the whip rules http://bbc.in/r6twYA
Glad they have followed my advice to the letter , surely a consultancy fee is payable.
This means Christophe Soumillon, who lost his £52,000 share of the prize-money when banned for five days after hitting Cirrus Des Aigles six times in the final furlong when winning the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot last Saturday, will now be paid.
JUSTICE.
JUSTICE.
James Stier saying the fines/bans aren't a punishment, they are an incentive not to offend.
What a mealy-mouthed clown he turned out to be. If you want to give an incentive, give one. Pay a bonus for winning/placing without using the whip if you think that will help, but don't pretend a punishment is anything but that
What a mealy-mouthed clown he turned out to be. If you want to give an incentive, give one. Pay a bonus for winning/placing without using the whip if you think that will help, but don't pretend a punishment is anything but that
so if a jockey hits a horse 8 times [one over the limit] he/she gets a 5 day ban ? that's still unfair imo
And the same applies to Group 1s. So now we again have a situation where jockeys with mounts in future Group 1s will not try as hard as they could because they may get suspended. Ony the BHA could make this up. It is criminal.
James Stier saying the fines/bans aren't a punishment, they are an incentive not to offend.
What a mealy-mouthed clown he turned out to be.
Is that the aussie fker who helped introduce the new rules? The geezer who was interviewed on ATR today??
What a mealy-mouthed clown he turned out to be.
Is that the aussie fker who helped introduce the new rules? The geezer who was interviewed on ATR today??
British Horseracing Board just tweeted
The objective of the rules is to robustly safeguard the welfare of both horses and jockeys and protect the reputation of racing
Bit late for that now innit 
The objective of the rules is to robustly safeguard the welfare of both horses and jockeys and protect the reputation of racing
Bit late for that now innit
By Stuart Riley racingpost.com
KEVIN DARLEY gave a lukewarm welcome following the BHA's amendments to the new whip rules announced on Friday morning.
The chief of the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), who has been under fire for not voicing concerns before the rules came into use, said the PJA and its members would need time to digest the changes, adding "serious concerns" remainded.
Darley said the PJA would consult jockeys over the weekend.
"There are still serious concerns about the level of penalties for minor infringements of the rules," he said in a statement released on Friday afternoon.
"A jockey could still be in breach of the rules and face a heavy penalty for using the whip in the best interests of safety and horsemanship. There are also concerns among jockeys about the way that the rules may impact differently on Flat and jump racing."
"Discussions among jockeys about the amendments will continue today and over the weekend. These amendments have been announced only this morning and jockeys need time to assess them. Opinions are being canvassed among jockeys, many of whom are at trainers' yards and will be riding at racecourses this afternoon and evening."
On a positive note, Darley added: "The PJA is pleased that the BHA has recognised that the new rules over the use of the whip did require amendments, especially in regard to the limitations on the use the whip in the final furlong and after the last fence in Flat and jump racing respectively, as well as in regard to the forfeiting of riding fees.
"We are pleased that the impact and the effectiveness of the rules will be constantly monitored, and jockeys will wish to be fully consulted."
KEVIN DARLEY gave a lukewarm welcome following the BHA's amendments to the new whip rules announced on Friday morning.
The chief of the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), who has been under fire for not voicing concerns before the rules came into use, said the PJA and its members would need time to digest the changes, adding "serious concerns" remainded.
Darley said the PJA would consult jockeys over the weekend.
"There are still serious concerns about the level of penalties for minor infringements of the rules," he said in a statement released on Friday afternoon.
"A jockey could still be in breach of the rules and face a heavy penalty for using the whip in the best interests of safety and horsemanship. There are also concerns among jockeys about the way that the rules may impact differently on Flat and jump racing."
"Discussions among jockeys about the amendments will continue today and over the weekend. These amendments have been announced only this morning and jockeys need time to assess them. Opinions are being canvassed among jockeys, many of whom are at trainers' yards and will be riding at racecourses this afternoon and evening."
On a positive note, Darley added: "The PJA is pleased that the BHA has recognised that the new rules over the use of the whip did require amendments, especially in regard to the limitations on the use the whip in the final furlong and after the last fence in Flat and jump racing respectively, as well as in regard to the forfeiting of riding fees.
"We are pleased that the impact and the effectiveness of the rules will be constantly monitored, and jockeys will wish to be fully consulted."
This is a dangerous sport,boys and girls putting their lives on the line.
Let them control it,without,you have nothing.
Let them control it,without,you have nothing.
hoe does the new rules help a jockey in a 3 mile chase on bad ground?
Cornelius Lysaght has implied all is still not well with the midg....with the jockeys.
seems that though jockeys talking amongst themselves, likely to accept amendments, but still unhappy re penalties & 8-limit for jumps
seems that though jockeys talking amongst themselves, likely to accept amendments, but still unhappy re penalties & 8-limit for jumps
@claimsfive chris cook
World Horse Welfare "deeply disappointed" & "dismayed" over changes to whip rules, espec end to '5 strokes after last' rule for jump racing
"The rules and the penalties have now been weakened, which must decrease their chances of working" - World Horse Welfare
World Horse Welfare "deeply disappointed" & "dismayed" over changes to whip rules, espec end to '5 strokes after last' rule for jump racing
"The rules and the penalties have now been weakened, which must decrease their chances of working" - World Horse Welfare
Jamie Spencer on ATR now.."Jockeys are weak, they always take it lying down and that is why we're riding for peanuts"
They'll have to Omit a few fences if the ground is testing when Long Distance chases ar run imo, either that or "Finished Alone" could become more familiar.
Darley got a fkn cheek. He was one who really knew how to use the whip. Fkn hypocrite.
The problem will not be solved until the jockeys strike and the sooner they do it the better. NH racing in particular will become a total joke.
8 smacks or McKeown specials before halfway, and then cruise home in your own time..
Miscreants charter..
Miscreants charter..
At The Races
If you've missed it today, watch Jamie Stier's BHA whip regulation statement again on ATR in 15 mins after the 4.30 at Fakenham.
If you've missed it today, watch Jamie Stier's BHA whip regulation statement again on ATR in 15 mins after the 4.30 at Fakenham.
Cornelius Lysaght
#Whip: just heard jockeys at Newbury have voted to strike; all but 1 rider said yes to strike; result of similar vote at Donc not known yet balloting of PJA members at Newbury (voted yes), Doncaster (not yet known) & Wolverhampton (this evening); seems to be Flat only atm senior riders in conference call discussions this evening; should have results of ballots by then
#Whip: just heard jockeys at Newbury have voted to strike; all but 1 rider said yes to strike; result of similar vote at Donc not known yet balloting of PJA members at Newbury (voted yes), Doncaster (not yet known) & Wolverhampton (this evening); seems to be Flat only atm senior riders in conference call discussions this evening; should have results of ballots by then
No matter which way you look at this it was a massive PR disaster. The BHA managed to create an issue over something that could have been simply handled by punishing jockeys sereverly who transgressed the original whip rule. The stick does not harm horses, it is just that it looked bad when someone was seen to be using the stick really excessively. All that was required was to punish the bad boys really severely.
The flat jockeys argued that limiting the number of hits in the final furlong was too difficult because they didn't know when they had passed the furlong marker.
Why has the NH number of hits after the last obstacle been removed? They know where it is even if it's dolled off.
Why has the NH number of hits after the last obstacle been removed? They know where it is even if it's dolled off.
Jamie Stier, Kevin Darley, Roly Owers on CH4 Morning Line..sadly...sorry i meant...Gladly... Big Mac wont be on
Absolutely spot on councillor. There was nothing wrong with the whip rules as they stood, as there was no abuse. Abuse of the whip rules, yes, but that's a separate matter. It was the BHA who failed to do their duty in ensuring that abuse of the whip rules was suitably punished.
From The BHA website
Mixed response to whip rule changes
Leading jockeys have given a mixed response to the amended new whip regulations announced today by the British Horseracing Authority.
Among the changes - which came into immediate effect - are the removal of the five-hit rule inside the final furlong/after the last obstacle, and riders will now not lose their riding fee if suspended for a whip offence.
They will also only lose their percentage of prize-money if their offence earns a ban of seven days or more, rather than the three days the rules originally stated, but dissatisfaction remains among riders at the strength of penalties for minor breaches of the rules, and former champion Jamie Spencer voiced his displeasure with the Professional Jockeys Association.
Spencer told At The Races: "I think history is repeating itself like on every other issue, we're weak with no strength behind us and everybody waves the flag too easy. I'm disappointed with a lot of the guys that have taken it all lying down.
"French jockeys stick together, the Australians stuck together over the whip and this is why we're probably racing for peanuts everyday of the week. We never put a fight up for anything, we take everything lying down. I'm just disappointed with everybody. Nobody is bothered about the seven strikes, it's just the penalties, they don't add up."
Current title holder Paul Hanagan hopes there is still room for manoeuvre over penalties.
He said: "I was made up they did away with the five hits inside the final furlong and gave us our riding fee back, but I still think the severity of a five-day ban is too much. That's coming from me, and I very rarely get banned, I've had to adapt to the rules over the years but there are some lads not in the position I'm in getting five or 10 days, it could finish some lads.
"They are only trying to make a living. It is hard enough as it is. Some of them wouldn't be making a living, it will be costing them to come racing. I think there could be further problems if they don't get the five days down. A lot of lads are saying we need more than seven (hits) but I can put up with seven - as long as the days come down. It will be even harder for the lads over jumps."
Steve Drowne believes there remains a possibility of strike action.
He said: "No-one's happy about the new rules, but it depends upon the grade of unhappiness. We'll have a meeting and judge the mood. There are always going to be conflicting opinions and if lads don't feel strongly about it, then they shouldn't strike. If they do (feel strongly), then we could."
Mixed response to whip rule changes
Leading jockeys have given a mixed response to the amended new whip regulations announced today by the British Horseracing Authority.
Among the changes - which came into immediate effect - are the removal of the five-hit rule inside the final furlong/after the last obstacle, and riders will now not lose their riding fee if suspended for a whip offence.
They will also only lose their percentage of prize-money if their offence earns a ban of seven days or more, rather than the three days the rules originally stated, but dissatisfaction remains among riders at the strength of penalties for minor breaches of the rules, and former champion Jamie Spencer voiced his displeasure with the Professional Jockeys Association.
Spencer told At The Races: "I think history is repeating itself like on every other issue, we're weak with no strength behind us and everybody waves the flag too easy. I'm disappointed with a lot of the guys that have taken it all lying down.
"French jockeys stick together, the Australians stuck together over the whip and this is why we're probably racing for peanuts everyday of the week. We never put a fight up for anything, we take everything lying down. I'm just disappointed with everybody. Nobody is bothered about the seven strikes, it's just the penalties, they don't add up."
Current title holder Paul Hanagan hopes there is still room for manoeuvre over penalties.
He said: "I was made up they did away with the five hits inside the final furlong and gave us our riding fee back, but I still think the severity of a five-day ban is too much. That's coming from me, and I very rarely get banned, I've had to adapt to the rules over the years but there are some lads not in the position I'm in getting five or 10 days, it could finish some lads.
"They are only trying to make a living. It is hard enough as it is. Some of them wouldn't be making a living, it will be costing them to come racing. I think there could be further problems if they don't get the five days down. A lot of lads are saying we need more than seven (hits) but I can put up with seven - as long as the days come down. It will be even harder for the lads over jumps."
Steve Drowne believes there remains a possibility of strike action.
He said: "No-one's happy about the new rules, but it depends upon the grade of unhappiness. We'll have a meeting and judge the mood. There are always going to be conflicting opinions and if lads don't feel strongly about it, then they shouldn't strike. If they do (feel strongly), then we could."
Paul Hanagan "I very rarely get banned, I've had to adapt to the rules over the years"
That's a skill.
The BHA backing down is typical of the UK the feckless are always rewarded. That's why benefits are so high in relation to average earnings and interest rates are 0.5%
That's a skill.
The BHA backing down is typical of the UK the feckless are always rewarded. That's why benefits are so high in relation to average earnings and interest rates are 0.5%
PH gets loads of rides and is in an infinitely better situation than some jockeys. I'm pleased a lot of the senior jockeys and higher earners are recognising how difficult it's going to be for their fellow riders.
If PH gets lots of rides he therefore has more chances to get banned - but doesn't.
attheraces.com
The Professional Jockeys Association issued a statement calling on riders not to take strike action as the row over new whip rules introduced by the British Horseracing Authority continues.
Leading jockeys gave a mixed response to today`s amendments to the new regulations, which were brought into effect on October 10. Among the changes are the removal of the five-hit rule inside the final furlong/after the last obstacle.
Riders will now not lose their riding fee if suspended for a whip offence, and will also only lose their percentage of prize-money if their offence earns a ban of seven days or more, rather than the three days the rules originally stated.
However, concern and growing disquiet remains in the weighing room over the severity of penalties for minor breaches of the rules, sparking continued speculation of strike action.
The PJA statement said that "the board of directors of the Professional Jockeys Association tonight called on jockeys to carry on riding as normal despite concerns about the new whip rules."
It added: "Leading Jockeys, including Frankie Dettori, AP McCoy and Andrew Thornton, will be sending a strong message to their colleagues at fixtures on Saturday and Sunday that any form of protest involving not riding would be counterproductive."
PJA chief executive Kevin Darley said: "The PJA is advising its members to work within the rules. We are not happy with aspects of those rules, but we will work with the British Horseracing Authority on the issues that concern us.
"There are still serious concerns about the level of penalties for minor infringements of the rules. A jockey could still be in breach of the rules and face a heavy penalty for using the whip in the best interests of safety and horsemanship. There are also concerns among jockeys about the way that the rules may impact differently on Flat and jump racing.
"We are pleased that the BHA will constantly monitor the impact and the effectiveness of the rules, and jockeys will wish to be fully consulted in that process."
The Professional Jockeys Association issued a statement calling on riders not to take strike action as the row over new whip rules introduced by the British Horseracing Authority continues.
Leading jockeys gave a mixed response to today`s amendments to the new regulations, which were brought into effect on October 10. Among the changes are the removal of the five-hit rule inside the final furlong/after the last obstacle.
Riders will now not lose their riding fee if suspended for a whip offence, and will also only lose their percentage of prize-money if their offence earns a ban of seven days or more, rather than the three days the rules originally stated.
However, concern and growing disquiet remains in the weighing room over the severity of penalties for minor breaches of the rules, sparking continued speculation of strike action.
The PJA statement said that "the board of directors of the Professional Jockeys Association tonight called on jockeys to carry on riding as normal despite concerns about the new whip rules."
It added: "Leading Jockeys, including Frankie Dettori, AP McCoy and Andrew Thornton, will be sending a strong message to their colleagues at fixtures on Saturday and Sunday that any form of protest involving not riding would be counterproductive."
PJA chief executive Kevin Darley said: "The PJA is advising its members to work within the rules. We are not happy with aspects of those rules, but we will work with the British Horseracing Authority on the issues that concern us.
"There are still serious concerns about the level of penalties for minor infringements of the rules. A jockey could still be in breach of the rules and face a heavy penalty for using the whip in the best interests of safety and horsemanship. There are also concerns among jockeys about the way that the rules may impact differently on Flat and jump racing.
"We are pleased that the BHA will constantly monitor the impact and the effectiveness of the rules, and jockeys will wish to be fully consulted in that process."
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