Jockeys told that whip rules will be reviewed

SOME of the biggest names in racing converged on the headquarters of the British Horseracing Authority yesterday to dicuss the controversial new whip rules which have divided the sport, but were told that there will be no immediate changes.

The situation will, however, be under review, with a report expected by “no later than the end of the week”, the BHA said in a statement last night.

A potential strike at Flat meetings at Pontefract and Windsor yesterday was averted on Friday night when the BHA called riders’ representatives to the Board meeting in High Holborn. Members of the Professional Jockeys Association met with the BHA in London to air their concerns over the new regulations, which came into effect last Monday.

A number of jockeys have fallen foul of the rules, with Richard Hughes deciding to hand in his riding licence after picking up his second suspension of the week at Kempton on Thursday. Five more jockeys were suspended yesterday, including Kieren Fox for his second offence.

The debate was thrust firmly into the spotlight at Ascot on Saturday after Christophe Soumillon was found to have hit Qipco Champion Stakes winner Cirrus Des Aigles six times in the final furlong – once more than permitted. The furious Belgian ace, who will appeal, was not only handed a five-day suspension but also forced to forfeit his considerable percentage of the prize-money and his riding fee, totalling in excess of £50,000.

Representing the PJA at today’s meeting were chief executive Kevin Darley, riders Ryan Moore, Frankie Dettori, Tony McCoy and Hughes, as well as trainer John Gosden.

A statement from the BHA read: “The Board of the British Horseracing Authority today met with representatives of the Professional Jockeys Association and listened to their proposals for adjustments to the new rules and guidelines on the use of the whip in horseracing.

“The Authority’s review of the use of the whip in horseracing was undertaken over ten months by an expert working group involving widespread consultation and evidence gathering from stakeholders across the sport and more widely including animal welfare organisations and the general public.

“The Board has today reiterated its endorsement of the principles behind the review. The new rules, adopted by the Authority, received widespread support from across the industry. Any change to regulations must be carefully considered and subject to due process. This means that appropriate evidence needs to be reviewed and there will need to be engagement with other relevant parties.

“The Board has directed the Review Group to undertake this process and report back by no later than the end of the week. Until any changes are made, the current rules will continue to apply. The Board and Review Group will continue to liaise with the PJA in the coming days.”

The new rules allow a rider on the Flat to use the whip seven times, with only five of those ‘hits’ to come inside the final furlong. In National Hunt races, the total amount allowed is eight, with five of those permitted after the final obstacle. As well as riding bans, any rider found in breach forfeits their riding fee and percentage of prize-money.