There are concerns within horse racing that many Jockeys will independently decide not to take part in some racing fixtures next week in protest at the new rules.
PJA Chief Executive Kevin Darley said: "There is now a process of proper consultation and discussion involving Jockeys which should have happened before the original announcement by the British Horseracing Authority last month. Had we been properly consulted over some of the important details that relate directly to Jockeys prior to that announcement we feel that we would not be in the position we are today.
"Jockeys have no issues with the restricted amount of times they can use the whip under the new rules. The careers of Jockeys are short by definition and the implications of financial penalties and long suspensions are savagely disproportionate."
Senior Jockeys Frankie Dettori and A P McCoy, who were quoted in the BHA news announcement last month, said they were asked to show their support by the BHA in the best interests of the sport. They have now acknowledged that they wouldn't have agreed to the quotes had they and the PJA been given the time to consider the full implications and practical consequences of the new rules and penalties.
The two Jockeys said: "In hindsight we would like to have given more thought and consideration to the new rules before commenting. We didn't give them properly informed approval and we really do wish the BHA would stop saying that we did."
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Kevin Darley, Chief Executive, at the Professional Jockeys Association, on 07974 172675
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