Hughes quits over whip rules Richard Hughes has sensationally relinquished his riding licence in protest at the new whip rules after receiving a second ban in four days at Kempton. Hughes received a five-day ban for hitting More Than Words too many times inside the final furlong when beaten a neck by Lexington Pearl in the 2yo fillies maiden (7.20pm). "I've handed in my licence as of tonight," Hughes told Racing UK. "I can't ride horses knowing that I'm not doing myself and the owners who pay £100 a time justice," he added. "I will only consider starting again if there is a review of the rules. I'd rather sweep roads than do half a job. I've notified Richard [Hannon]. "We're allowed to hit them seven times and both times I've been done, I've hit them six times, which is less than the amount you're allowed and I've got a fifteen day ban because of it and I miss the Breeders' Cup. "They've made the rules so you hit them more, so you have to get two into them before the furlong pole as then you've only got five left. I was always told as a young jockey the last jockey who goes for his whip normally wins. "They're taking the art of race riding away from me, it's like telling Messi not to use his left foot anymore."
