BHA to meet jockeys over whip row

Racing's authorities have moved to calm the situation after jockey protests over the new whip rules threatened to boil over into strike action. The British Horseracing Authority has called representatives of the riders to a Board meeting on Monday to discuss their grievances in the wake of Richard Hughes's decision to quit after being hit with two bans.

Earlier, the Professional Jockeys Association submitted proposals that included revisions to the range of penalties for infringements as well as some further clarification of the rules themselves.

A statement from the BHA read: "The British Horseracing Authority confirmed it was listening to jockeys' concerns about the new whip rules and that it had asked for and would consider any formal submission the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) chose to make on this subject.

"We have received a short submission from the PJA. The BHA has invited the PJA to attend a planned Board meeting of the Authority on Monday so they can elaborate further on the submission they have made before further detailed consideration by the BHA's Review Group. The PJA has accepted this invitation.

"This dialogue will build on constructive talks we held with the PJA on Tuesday. Throughout the process of amending the rules on use of the whip and associated penalties the BHA has worked closely with representatives of the PJA and we are encouraged that they recognise our commitment to thorough consultation.

"We will not be suspending the current rules pending these discussions, but we do commit to resolving this matter as quickly as possible while ensuring that due process is followed."

In a veiled reference to rumours of a strike at the three tracks due to race on Monday, the BHA statement said: "In light of the positive dialogue taking place between the BHA and the PJA we urge everyone involved in racing to engage with this process and to work with us to take the sport forward with no disruption to the racing programme."

PJA chief executive Kevin Darley had earlier said: "What jockeys have concerns about are the new penalties for what they perceive to be relatively minor infringements of the rules. The PJA believes very strongly that this aspect needs to be reconsidered."

Meanwhile the courses due to stage fixtures on Monday - Windsor, Pontefract and Plumpton - said they had not been told of any potential strike action.