‘Small Adjustments’ Made To Whip Rules After Consult With Jockeys By BHA

A selection of small adjustments have been introduced to the new whip rules, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced on Thursday.

There has been ongoing communication between the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), senior jockeys under both codes and the BHA, and the rule adjustments are the result.

“We are very grateful to the PJA and to our jockeys, both for the manner in which they continue to adapt to riding under the new rules, and their constructive engagement with the process which has helped bring about these further improvements,” said Brant Dunshea, Chief Regulatory Officer for the BHA. “We will continue to liaise with the PJA and jockeys as we continue the roll-out and embedding of the new rules.”

As a result of this constructive dialogue and the BHA's monitoring of bedding-in period and implementation, the changes are below:

  1. Repeat Offences:
  • The repeat offenses rule has been change so that Any jockey will be referred to the Independent Judicial Panel following their third above permitted level-only offence within a six-month period.
  • However, a jockey will not be referred to the Independent Judicial Panel after just three 'technical' offences.
  • Instead, once a jockey commits five offences of any type (this can be a combination of above permitted level and other misuse offences) within a six-month period they will be referred to the Independent Judicial Panel.
  • Should a jockey be referred for either three above permitted level offences or five offences of any type, then these offences drop off their referral record so a jockey cannot be referred twice for the same offence
  1. Suspension dates: All suspensions imposed by the WRC should start 14-days from its written decision. Having been through the bedding-in period, and with suspensions now being imposed, the PJA and its members have asked to have the option to serve a suspension as if imposed by stewards on a raceday. Therefore, jockeys in receipt of a notice of suspension from the WRC will now have the option of requesting that the suspension commences 14 days after the date of the referral by the stewards, should they not wish to appeal the penalty. Otherwise the suspension will be served 14 days from the date of the WRC decision.
  2. Riding fees: The rule has now been changed such that should a rider be disqualified from a race due to excessive use of the whip they will also forfeit their riding fee.
  3. Whip Review Committee meetings: The Whip Review Committee (WRC) will now switch to meeting twice a week rather than once, with meet rides considered: Tuesday, Previous Thursday – Sunday and Friday, Previous Monday – Wednesday.
  4. Without regard to stride: References to the misuse offence 'Without Regard to Stride' (double strike) have been removed from the Whip Guidance. Offences of this nature will now instead be categorised as Without Time to Respond.

For more information, please visit the BHA website.

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Jack Connor Named Racing And Analytics Executive For The Thoroughbred Group

Jack Connor was named the new Racing and Analytics Executive of The Thoroughbred Group. He was previously a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Racing Department senior analyst and a strategy manager at The Jockey Club.

The position is new within The Thoroughbred Group as the organisation develops its remit to provide representation of its five members under UK racing's new industry structure–the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF).

“We are pleased that Jack has agreed to join us as we seek to develop the role of the Thoroughbred Group at industry level,” said Thoroughbred Group Chair Charlie Parker. “We are confident that his analytical expertise and previous experience working with industry stakeholders will make him a great asset to us.”

Added Connor, “I'm delighted to be joining the Thoroughbred Group at this pivotal time for the sport. I'm very much looking forward to working closely with the five participant bodies and their members as we help shape and deliver on the industry's strategy.”

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Bedding-In Period For New Whip Rules For Jumps Racing Extended By A Week

The bedding-in period for the new whip rules in Jumps racing has been extended by one week, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed on Friday. This follows a meeting between the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and a selection of jockeys.

The extension, requested by jockeys and the PJA, was granted on account of the number of cancelled fixtures last week due to the frozen ground. The full implementation of the new rules for Jumps racing will begin on Feb. 13. The start of the bedding-in period for Flat racing remains Feb. 27, as does the Mar. 27 full implementation date for Flat racing.

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Ian McMahon Appointed New PJA Chief Executive

Ian McMahon has been appointed the new Professional Jockeys Association Chief Executive. His term will begin on Apr. 11, 2022. McMahon is new to the administration of racing, but has worked in the sports industry in the UK, USA and Hong Kong. Formerly a professional footballer with Oldham Athletic and Rochdale until injury curtailed his career at 21, McMahon, 57, then worked at Hull City. He later was the Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers. In the US, he was invited to become Commissioner of the Women's Soccer League. During his time in Hong Kong, he was CEO of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union and the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens. For the past five years, McMahon has called the UK golf industry home and has managed the John Lewis Partnership Golf operations. Dale Gibson, who has been acting as the interim Chief Executive of the PJA, will return to his previous position and will support McMahon in his new role.

Chair of the PJA Jon Holmes, said “There was strong interest in the position from inside and outside the industry, and Ian was interviewed by several members of the board, who came to the unanimous decision that he had the experience and skill set to take the association forward at this important stage. He will work alongside Dale, who has been a tower of strength in his role as interim CEO.”

Flat Jockey President, PJ Macdonald, said, “I was impressed by Ian's passion and enthusiasm, when I spoke to him and would like to extend a warm welcome to him.”

Jumps President David Bass, also welcomed the appointment and hopes that Ian will “build on the good work of Paul Struthers and Dale Gibson and continue recent progress with riding fees and facilities made by the association.”

McMahon said, “I am very excited to have been given this opportunity to work at the association, and very much look forward to the challenge.”

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