Davy Russell hoping for clarity as BHA delegation heads to Ireland with concerns over whip rules growing

Growing concern about the impact of the new whip rules on two of racing’s biggest events – the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National – have led to calls for renewed discussions about delaying their implementation.

Claims and counterclaims have been exchanged between professionals, racing figures on social media and the BHA this week over what jockeys have been told in relation to how their rides would potentially breach the incoming rules and what penalties they could face once they come into force,  scheduled for February 13 over jumps.

The sense of unease comes as it emerged BHA representatives will be at the Dublin Racing Festival this weekend to discuss the new whip rules with Irish-based jockeys, many of whom will encounter the changes for the first time at Cheltenham next month.