RACING NEWS:THE BRITISH Horseracing Authority 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 today.

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 . . . 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.”

Whip 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.

PJA chief executive Kevin Darley said the changes were a “step in the right direction” but that the amended penalties “are still strict”. He said in a statement: “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.”