Richard Hughes will consider a return to the saddle should the rules change
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)Whip debate gets heated as Hughes speaks out
RICHARD HUGHES, who handed in his riding licence with immediate effect midway through the card at Kempton's evening meeting on Thursday, stuck by his decision on Friday morning.
"I was at the forefront of those saying it was not a bad thing and that we could adapt to the new rules, but the way they are structured, you have to change the way you ride but they don't allow that," said Hughes.
Hughes, who received an escalated ten-day ban for his ride on More Than Wordsdue to it being his second such offence in the last 12 months, is the first rider to have fallen foul of the rules for the second time in the four days since their implementation.
The fresh punishment means Hughes will miss the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs next month when he was due to ride Strong Suit in the Breeders' Cup Mile. He also stated he would not ride at Ascot's British Champions Day on Saturday.
Richard Hughes: early retirement
PICTURE: Edward WhitakerHughes registered his disgust with the new rules after his first whip ban on Monday, the day regulations were introduced. The rules limit jockeys to seven strikes (five inthe last furlong) on the Flat and eight over jumps.
On Friday morning Hughes again spoke of his discontent with the new whip rules, accusing the BHA of trying to trap jockeys and branded the BHA's Jamie Stier a "liar".
Hughes continued: "We asked for a simple rule but I feel the five in the final furlong is there as a trap, the week before it was 14.
"It's like a speed camera, anyone who's ever been done by the same speed camera will know, you know it's there, but you get done anyway. The difference is you get three points, you don't lose your driving licence.
"I'm not arguing that we shouldn't have to hit horses less, that's fine, but the rule is seven and I've struck my horse six times on both occasions and I've been given 15 days for it."
On the communications between the BHA and the jockeys, Hughes gave a damning verdict: "We've told them we are struggling with the new rules, we've told them it's difficult to adapt but they said they won't change the rules and we have to deal with it.
"Jamie Stier said that jockeys were consulted, but that is a complete lie. In the last two years I think I've had two one day bans for the whip, from over 3,000 rides. If they consider changing the rules, I will consider riding again."
Earlier on Thursday, the BHA announced they would review the penalties for whip offences.
Hughes, whose ban covers October 29, October 31 - November 5, November 9 - November 10, spoke of his decision to turn his back onracing on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Hughes, who was due to ride at Haydock on Friday and at Ascot on Saturday, will be replaced by other jockeys on all the rides he has given up.
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