Professional Jockeys Association Statement

The PJA have released a statement reiterating that Jockeys as a group welcomed the move towards greater precision in the amended rules, but are unhappy with the new penalties for infringements of the rules.

However, whilst the statement urged the BHA to respond positively and urgently, there was no mention of any proposed jockeys strike to take place on Monday, as rumours had suggested may be the case.

Richard Hughes, one of the senior figures in the weighing room, last night 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.

Professional Jockeys Association statement:

The Professional Jockeys Association this afternoon (FRIDAY 14 OCTOBER) submitted written proposals to the British Horseracing Authority concerning the new whip rules that apply to Jockeys.

The recommendations from the Jockeys include revisions to the range of penalties for infringements as well as some further clarifications of the rules themselves.

PJA Chief Executive Kevin Darley reiterated that Jockeys as a group welcomed the move towards greater precision in the amended rules.

"What Jockeys do have concerns about however, are the new penalties for what they perceive to be relatively minor infringements of the rules," he said. "The PJA believes very strongly that this aspect needs to be re-considered."

He stressed that Jockeys understood how important it is that the sport of racing conveys the correct message about horse welfare to the public.

The PJA said that it hoped the BHA would respond positively and urgently to the proposals.