jockey strike over whips

The prospect of a jockey strike on Monday looms, in protest at new whip rules introduced by the British Horseracing Authority. A number of riders are understood to have informed trainers they will not be available for the day's fixtures. Flat jockey Richard Hughes has already announced he was quitting the saddle until the new rules are reconsidered. Richard Hughes insists there was no consultation between the BHA and riders over the exact details of the new whip rules. The guidelines state a Flat rider can only hit a horse seven times with the whip, with just five of those strikes allowed inside the final furlong. Jockeys found in breach also forfeit their riding fee and any percentage of prize-money won. Hughes was banned for five days after being found guilty of hitting his horse six times in the final furlong at Salisbury on Monday and he was suspended for a further 10 days after committing the same offence at Kempton.