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Hughes Quits Until Whip Rule Review
14/10/11

Richard Hughes has pledged to relinquish his riding licence with immediate effect until there is a review of the British Horseracing Authority's new whip rules after picking up another ban at Kempton last night.

Richard Hughes
© Racehorse Photos

Richard Hughes

The Irishman was given a five-day suspension on the first afternoon the rules were put into effect on Monday, and he got another 10 at Kempton when finishing a neck second on More Than Words in the Play Rainbow Riches At bluesq.com Maiden Fillies' Stakes. The severity of the punishment was due to the fact it was his second offence.

He told Racing UK: "I've handed my licence in until further notice. I've been trying to obey the rules this week and when the rules came in we all thought seven was a fair number, but then they set a trap by saying you could only hit them five in the last furlong."

He added: "The new rules mean you actually hit them more, as you have to get two into them before the furlong pole and then you have five for the final furlong. I was always told as a young lad the last jockey to go for stick usually wins. I don't think I can do my owners justice any more.

"It's my own decision. I gave her (More Than Words) a couple of slaps when she needed them but I am not a whip jockey. Both times I've been done I've hit them six times. I've got a 15-day ban because of it and I miss the Breeders' Cup. What about the owner of Strong Suit - he's a tricky horse and you have to know how to ride him.

"(His colleagues) They are bitterly disappointed, and it's only a matter of time before they get done.

"How many times have you seen AP McCoy win races he should never have won, by persevering and getting them rolling.

"Until the rules are resolved I won't be riding. I'd rather retire. I can't ride horses like this. It's like telling Lionel Messi he can't use his left foot."

Earlier in the day, officials at the British Horseracing Authority announced they were set to consider submissions from the Professional Jockeys Association in the wake of the new whip regulations introduced this week.

BHA chairman Paul Roy said in a statement: "We were greatly encouraged by the immediate, predominantly positive response from jockeys, trainers and other stakeholders, following publication of our Review of the use of the whip in horse racing, on September 27.

"We have also been pleased with the way the new rules have been adhered to by the vast majority of jockeys since their implementation on Monday this week. As should be expected, we have been in constant dialogue with jockeys, both individually and through the Professional Jockeys Association on behalf of its members. We met with the PJA, who we recognise as the representative voice for professional jockeys, earlier this week.

"We remain clear and confident in the Review and its findings, and are encouraged that the PJA is generally supportive of the principles behind the new rules and the need for compliance with them. However, they have raised certain concerns, particularly in relation to the penalty structure, and we expect to receive further formal written submissions from them shortly. We will therefore reconvene the Review Group working party and they will begin to consider the PJA's submission as soon as possible after it is received."

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