Jockeys association vigilant over revised whip rules

Officials at the Professional Jockeys Association have given a guarded welcome to amendments to the new whip rules announced by the British Horseracing Authority today.

However, chief executive Kevin Darley said in a statement that riders retain “serious concerns about the level of penalties for minor infringements of the rules”.

Among the changes are the removal of the five-hit rule inside the final furlong/after the last obstacle.

Jockeys have struggled to come to terms with the guidelines since their introduction last week, which allow no more than seven hits in a Flat race and eight over jumps.

While that number remains the same, the BHA have scrapped the rule which state jockeys are allowed to use their whip no more than five times inside the final furlong, or after the final obstacle in National Hunt races.

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.

Darley said: “The Professional Jockeys Association board this morning discussed the announcement by the British Horseracing Authority.

“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 jumps 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.

“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.

“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.”