The Whip Ban Saga Goes On.......

Well the UK jockey whip ban saga goes on. After the jocks threatened to go on strike yesterday (Monday), they sent a delegation made up from Frankie Dettori, Richard Hughes, Ryan Moore, AP McCoy, Professional Jockeys' Association chief executive Kevin Darley and trainer John Gosden, to meet with the British Horseracing Authority.

After a meeting lasting an hour and a half, it was later announced that a review of the controversial new rules would be instigated with an intention to have the situation ironed out by Friday.

Meanwhile apprentice jockey Kieren Fox was hit with his 2nd ban in a week by the stewards at Windsor. Stating that he rides for the love of the sport, he added that he is now seriously considering his future. 

At Pontefract, Mickey Fenton, Adrian Nicholls and Joe Fanning all received bans, all losing their riding fees and any share of the prize money as laid down in the controversial new rules. Fanning was aghast, saying that it is only the 3rd whip ban he has received in 21 years riding in the UK.

Joe Fanning

Jockey Richard Hughes Temporarily Relinquishes His Licence

Top jockey Richard Hughes has this evening received his 2nd five-day ban in a week for excessive use of the whip. For a jockey who has always had the reputation of  nursing  horses along as opposed to riding them hard, it is almost unbelievable that he has been banned and fined again - especially as he has only received 1 previous ban in the last 3 years.

He is so angry about the bans, he has relinquished his licence until such a time that the new rules, introduced just this week, are reviewed.

To read the Racing Post article, click on the following link:

Richard Hughes Quits in Protest at New Whip Rules