Soumillon falls foul of whip rule

RACING/WHIP CONTROVERSY: THE BRITISH Horseracing Authority and representatives of the Professional Jockeys Association will meet in London today to examine the fallout of the controversial new whip rules and the militant response they have generated.

Richard Hughes’s decision last week to hand in his licence due to the penalties involved for breaching the rules was backed yesterday by the top French-based jockey Christophe Soumillon who remains furious at fines totalling almost €55,000 imposed on him at Ascot on Saturday.

Soumillon hit the Champion Stakes winner Cirrus Des Aigles six times inside the final furlong of the most valuable race on “Champions Day”, one more than the permitted five, and forfeited his winning percentage and riding fee, as well as getting a five-day suspension.

Today’s talks averted possible strike action by jockeys in Britain this afternoon but the idea of striking in protest at the new rules was backed by Soumillon yesterday. “If I was a British jockey I would be on the side of Richard Hughes, and probably go a day without riding any races. I would be on the side for all jockeys,” he said.

Immediately after the Champion Stakes, Soumillon clearly infuriated at the penalties, said he was “embarrassed” for British racing that such whip rules are in place and threatened to take legal action. He also cited an inability to see the one furlong marker as being a major factor in him breaking the rules.

“When I came head to head with So You Think (runner-up), as you can see on the video, the horse is very big. Even though I am a tall jockey, when I am beside him (So You Think) I could not see the marker pole any more,” Soumillon said yesterday.

“I could not see where the marker was, but my horse just continued and I just gave him four or five more (hits) because I know I am allowed up to seven. I thought I was alright. The horse won the race, everyone was happy. But the sanctions are so strong,” he added.

Cirrus Des Aigles’ trainer, Corine Barande-Barbe, also said the rules need to be changed. “I feel very sorry for Christophe. When you start your move in a race, you do not know when the final furlong begins. I hope he can get the money back at an appeal because it is not right,” the French trainer said. “I would not mind if they said you cannot use the whip at all and you could only carry it to stop your horse moving across the track. I want to thank Christophe for giving our horse a fantastic ride,” she added.

The last time a British fixture was lost to strike action by jockeys was in September of 2003 over the use of mobile phones on the racecourse. Feelings are running even higher now and the PJA spokesman Kevin Darley said: We are pleased the BHA board will meet representatives of jockeys so we can resolve the current issues. It is imperative for the sport that these matters are settled as soon as possible.

“What jockeys do have concerns about are the new penalties for what they perceive to be relatively minor infringements of the rules. The PJA strongly believes that this aspect needs to be reconsidered.”