The threat of a strike by jockeys at fixtures on Monday over new whip regulations has been been averted with the British Horseracing Authority and Professional Jockeys Association to meet that day.
Racing’s authorities moved to calm the situation after jockey protests threatened to boil over into strike action.
Richard Hughes, one of the senior figures in the weighing room, has relinquished his licence after picking up his second ban in four days since the new instructions were introduced at the start of the week.
Hughes said he would not consider riding again until the rules changed.
The BHA has called representatives of the riders to a board meeting to discuss their grievances in the wake of Hughes’ decision.
Earlier, the PJA submitted proposals that included revisions to the range of penalties for infringements as well as some further clarifications of the rules themselves.
A statement from the PJA said it welcomed the invitation to attend the BHA meeting and that the association would take the opportunity to develop the points it raised in written proposals and recommendations submitted to the BHA.
“It is imperative for the sport that these matters are settled as soon as possible,” PJA chief executive Kevin Darley said.
The PJA added it recommended those jockeys who were independently considering not participating in races at Monday’s racing fixtures should now take their planned rides as originally scheduled.
A statement from the BHA said it would consider any formal submission from the jockeys.
“We have this afternoon received a short submission from the PJA,” the BHA said.
“The BHA has invited the PJA to attend a planned board meeting of the Authority on Monday so that they can elaborate further on the submission they have made before further detailed consideration by the BHA’s Review Group.
“We will not be suspending the current rules pending these discussions, but we do commit to resolving this matter as quickly as possible while ensuring that due process is followed.”
AAP TURF
