Meeting on controversial whip rules ‘productive’ — BHA
Jamie Stier, BHA director of raceday operations and regulation, said the talks were “productive”.
He said: “A number of incidents were reviewed and a range of topics covered regarding the whip rules and accompanying penalty structure.
“Today’s meeting forms an essential part of our ongoing monitoring process within the current review period. It was explained that any further adjustments to the rules or penalties — should any be implemented – would need to follow due process including approval from the BHA board where appropriate.
“We identified areas of common ground, recognising the issues raised by the PJA and NTF and we intend to explore these further as part of the ongoing consultation process.
“This includes the need for greater use of discretion by stewards and also might include developing an incentive for riders who do not breach the rules over a set period or set number of rides.”
Stier added: “I would add that we remain committed to adhering to the principles of the whip review and the objectives therein, which includes ensuring there are no unintended consequences as a result of implementing the review.”
The number of strikes per race for the whip by a jockey remains at seven for the Flat, and eight over jumps.
Any rider going one strike over the allowed limit receives a two-day ban, while a second offence for one extra is doubled.
Two uses of the whip over the permitted limit results in a five-day ban, and three extra results in a seven-day ban.
A seven-day ban is the point at which a rider will lose his/her percentage of prize-money won.
Darley described Friday’s meeting as “positive and constructive”, but reiterated his opposition against the severity of both the penalties meted out by the BHA and the deduction of relevant prize-money.
He said: “The PJA has had a very constructive meeting with the British Horseracing Authority today about aspects of the rules on the use of the whip by jockeys.
“A major issue for us is that stewards should be allowed to use their discretion when judging the ride of a jockey.
“The stewards must be able to interpret the rules and use discretion when they deem it appropriate. We are concerned that the penalties imposed on jockeys should be more proportionate.
“Jockeys also remain unhappy about the deduction of prize-money.
“Our meeting with the BHA was both positive and constructive and we look forward to reconvening in the weeks ahead when we would earnestly hope that a resolution to these outstanding matters can be found.”
