Racing:The British Horseracing Authority has announced changes to the controversial new whip regulations that include the removal of the five-hit rule inside the final furlong. Jockeys have struggled to accept the guidelines, which allow no more than seven hits in a Flat race and eight over jumps, since their introduction on Monday.
While that number remains the same, the BHA have scrapped the rule which states 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.
A BHA statement read: “The board is committed to the highest standards of regulation in the sport, and ensuring that British Horseracing continues to lead the way in matters of equine welfare.
“This is a sport not without its challenges, but they will always be outweighed by the sport’s strengths. These challenges will best be met — and are being met — by finding a common purpose amongst the sport’s participants, and by putting the sport first.”
The Professional Jockeys Association says there are still "serious concerns" over the level of penalties in the new whip rules.
In a statement, chief executive Kevin 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 jump 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."
The RSPCA, meanwhile, has revealed "deep concern" at the changes.
"These rule changes are of deep concern to the RSPCA. Horse welfare should come first, not commercial pressures," RSPCA equine consultant David Muir said today. "When the RSPCA instigated this review process we were promised a change of culture in the way that jockeys use the whip.
"If we see that this is not the case, and in particular if we see the whip being used the maximum number of times after the last jump or in the final furlong, then we will seek at least a return to the rules set following the review.
"The public is extremely concerned about this issue. Jockeys should realise the depth of this feeling and ensure they follow the rules and keep their use of the whip to a minimum."
Professor Tim Morris, the BHA's director of equine science and welfare, said: "The Authority's review was the result of 10 months of in-depth analysis and consultation across the sport of racing, with welfare groups, and with the public.
"The principles set out in our review represent the best way forward for the sport. We can't go back to the old system where there are too many breaches of the rules.
"The adjustment we announced today will make sure that racing maintains the highest level of equine welfare and has rules and penalties that are fair to the jockeys."