43 rides breached new whip rules in first week of bedding-in period

A total of 43 rides would have fallen foul of the revised whip rules during the first week of the bedding-in period for jump jockeys, according to data from the BHA's new three-person whip review committee.

Between January 9 and 15, 28 riders were referred for offences that would breach the new rules when they are implemented over jumps on February 6 and each was informed of their hypothetical penalty.

Of the 44 offences, 29 were for the use of the whip above shoulder height and were committed by 19 individual jockeys from a possible 168, although 15 of the referrals for this breach related to just five jockeys.

The BHA said more clarity has been added to this existing rule. Under the new guidance, a penalty will apply after one use above shoulder height, without leeway, and has been set as a four-day suspension. It has argued this brings it more in line with other major racing nations.

Ten of the breaches were for rides in which the jockey used the whip above the permitted level, which has been reduced under the new rules, and one of them in a Class 5 handicap would have resulted in disqualification, with the whip being used four times over the level.

"The bedding-in period is in place to identify any further practical considerations regarding the new rules and guidance, or areas that are going to require greater adaptation from some jockeys. Clearly one of those areas is in relation to the use of the whip above shoulder height," a BHA statement read.

"Use of the whip above shoulder height was identified by the Whip Consultation Steering Group, and many of the jockeys spoken to through the consultation, as an area where it is accepted that significant improvement in riding style is needed.

"Greater clarity and increased penalties for these sorts of offences were explicitly requested by jockeys and they have accepted that they are responsible for riding within the new rules.

"The proposed changes to the guidance bring Britain into line with many other major racing nations. We will continue to liaise with jockeys and the Professional Jockeys Association through the bedding-in period."

The new whip review committee has been implemented as part of the ongoing changes around the whip rules, with on-course stewards referring rides to the board to assess each week before any bans are handed out, rather than the sanctions being dispensed on the day.

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