PJA reveal proposals made to BHA The PJA (Professional Jockeys Association) have called on the BHA (British Horse Racing Authority) to remove the restriction of five hits inside the final furlong of a Flat race. They would also like to see the penalty structure altered, with just a two-day suspension for one hit over the limit, four days for two more, and 10 days for three extra strikes of the whip. The PJA believe any punishment should be confined to riding bans and exclude forfeiting the riding fee and the jockey's percentage of any prize-money, as has been the case in the past. Group One and Grade One exemptions for races in this country and abroad should continue to apply for minor whip offences with penalties of four days or less. The PJA remain satisfied with the eight-hit rule in National Hunt races. They have, however, proposed the removal of the restriction whereby a jockey is only allowed to hit a horse five times after the final obstacle - or after the final wings of a bumper. The Professional Jockeys Association Proposed Changes to the Whip Rules: FLAT RACES - Seven hits allowed at any time, but the removal of five hits to a horse inside the final furlong - One hit (eight) over - two-day suspension - Two hits (nine) over - four-day suspension - Three hits over (10) - 10-day suspension - Thereafter the level of penalty to be increased by two days for each additional hit - In determining the number of hits, the stewards must disregard any hits down the shoulder with the whip hand still on the reins, and any hit that might be used for correction or safety JUMPS RACES - Eight hits allowed at any time, but the removal of five hits to a horse after the final obstacle, or after the final wings of a bumper - One hit (nine) over - two-day suspension - Two hits (10) over - four-day suspension - Three hits over (11) - 10-day suspension - Thereafter the level of penalty to be increased by two days for each additional hit (In determining the number of hits, the stewards must disregard any hits down the shoulder with the whip hand still on the reins, and any hit that might be used for correction or safety) FINANCIAL PENALTIES - The penalties should be confined to riding suspensions only - There should be no provision for forfeiture of the riding fee and the jockey's percentage of prize-money REPEAT OFFENCES Penalties for repeat offences within 12 months should be increased for offences where the penalty for a first offence would be five days or more, as follows: - Second whip offence within previous 12 months, having decided the level of penalty for the offence, should be doubled if it is a second offence - Third whip offence within previous 12 months, having decided the level of penalty for the offence, should be trebled if it is a third offence. (This would result in a suspension of more than 42 days, and the rider must be referred. The proposals also included details on the proposed powers of the disciplinary panel in cases that are referred) GENERAL - Group One and Grade One exemptions for races in this country and abroad should continue to apply for minor whip offences with penalties of four days or less
