Jockeys submit whip proposals amid strike rumours

Jockeys’ representatives confirmed this afternoon that written proposals have been submitted to the British Horseracing Authority as speculation mounts about a potential strike on Monday over new whip rules.

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.

A statement from the Professional Jockeys Association said its submission included revisions to the range of penalties for infringements as well as some further clarifications of the rules themselves.

It said 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,” Darley said.

“The PJA believes very strongly that this aspect needs to be reconsidered.”

He stressed that riders understood how important it is that the sport of racing conveys the correct message about horse welfare to the public.

The statement added that the PJA hoped the BHA would respond positively and urgently to the proposals.

The courses due to stage fixtures on Monday – Windsor, Pontefract and Plumpton - said they had not been told of any potential strike action.

However, despite no jockeys appearing against the name of any horse at Windsor on the official BHA administration site, the racecourse was unwilling to confirm or deny if it 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.”