Racing:The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) have announced further amendments to the new whip rules, which were originally introduced on October 10th.
The number of uses per race for the whip by a jockey is to remain at seven for the flat and eight over jumps, but a number of changes to the structure for penalties will come into effect from tomorrow.
Any rider now going one strike over the allowed limit will receive a two-day ban and not the current five, and while a second offence will still be doubled, it will be from two to days to four, and not from five to 10.
Should a rider exceed the frequency limit, the stewards will hear the evidence of the jockey and review the video footage to identify which use(s), if any, might legitimately be disregarded.
BHA chairman Paul Roy said in a statement: “These developments represent a carefully considered and measured response to both our monitoring procedures and constant dialogue with the PJA (Professional Jockeys Association) and other relevant parties.
“A key purpose of the (whip) review was to achieve behavioural change. This absolutely remains the case, and the same high standards of good horsemanship and equine welfare remain at the heart of our approach to the whip. We are encouraged that we have seen a great deal of behavioural change in a short time period since the implementation of the recommendations of the review.
“However, in terms of the specific rules and penalties themselves, it has always been our position that we will constantly monitor how jockeys are adapting. If by making adjustments we can achieve behavioural change more effectively, then as a responsible regulator we should do that.
“There were fundamental reasons for the changes we introduced last month. They were for the good of the sport and its long-term health, including all its participants, and all groups consulted agreed that new rules were needed.
“The sport as a whole now needs to cooperate to make the new rules work, and move forward to achieve what we all want to see - a firm but fair set of rules that promote competitive racing, and safeguard welfare and the reputation of British racing.”
Exemptions will be reinstated for Group One races for whip breaches attracting penalties of four days suspension or less, bringing the whip regulations into line with other offences.
The BHA statement also said that “should the PJA itself set up a group to monitor and assess the impact of the new rules, focusing in particular on practical issues as they relate to jump racing but overall not limited in its scope, then clear terms of engagement between this group and the BHA will be developed.
“This will result in formal, structured dialogue which will take place throughout the jumps season, with the BHA also continuing and enhancing its own monitoring procedures.
“The board will also adjust where appropriate the period of suspension imposed on any rider who has either not commenced serving a period of suspension or has served only part of a period of suspension imposed for a breach of the whip rules.
“They have also ordered that, where appropriate, prize money is paid to those jockeys whose period of suspension is reduced to below seven days as a result of the changes recommended in this paper.”
PJA chief executive Kevin Darley said the changes were a “step in the right direction” but that the amended penalties “are still strict”.
Darley said in a statement: “This has been the most challenging time for jockeys for many decades, and jockeys have shown considerable restraint in recent weeks.
“The PJA has endeavoured to engage constructively with the British Horseracing Authority by suggesting amendments to the whip rules that would retain appropriate constraints on acceptable use but make them workable in practice for the majority of jockeys.
“These changes are a step in the right direction, but we have no doubt that there is still more to be done.
“The rules and penalties as amended are still too strict, and there will inevitably be more difficulties to overcome in the weeks and months ahead.
“In particular, the PJA will continue to press the BHA concerning the period that minor offences remain on a jockeys’ record. Twelve months is far too long.
“We welcome the engagement that the BHA plans to have with jockeys between now and the end of the jump racing season as the ongoing situation is monitored. As such, the PJA is establishing its own review group.
“We also welcome the amended guidance to stewards that will allow them more discretion and a greater degree of flexibility. The whip is an essential tool of a jockey’s trade and, when he or she is using it properly to ensure momentum, safety and correction, then that must be taken into account under the rules.”