The British Horseracing Authority has announced further amendments to the new whip rules, which were originally introduced on October 10.
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.”
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