Stiffer penaltiess for jockeys causing interference

Jockeys in Britain are set to face stiffer penalties for manoeuvres that might impact on the safety or fairness of a race by causing interference.

The change is part of moves to take effect from May 23 with the intention of providing a “greater deterrent to riders”, and comes as the result of British Horseracing Authority consultation with the Professional Jockeys Association, as well as the National Trainers Federation and Racehorse Owners Association.

Under the new structure, Andrea Atzeni’s three-day ban incurred for careless riding in a controversial renewal of last year’s St Leger at Doncaster would now carry a ban of seven to eight days for improper riding.