The British Horseracing Authority yesterday confirmed that it was listening to jockeys’ concerns about the new whip Rules and that it had asked for and would consider any formal submission the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) chose to make on this subject.

We have this afternoon received a short submission from the PJA. The BHA has today invited the PJA to attend a planned Board meeting of the Authority on Monday so that they can elaborate further on the submission they have made before further detailed consideration by the BHA’s Review Group. The PJA has accepted this invitation.

This dialogue will build on constructive talks we held with the PJA on Tuesday. Throughout the process of amending the rules on use of the whip and associated penalties the BHA has worked closely with representatives of the PJA and we are encouraged that they recognise our commitment to thorough consultation.

We will not be suspending the current Rules pending these discussions, but we do commit to resolving this matter as quickly as possible while ensuring that due process is followed.

In light of the positive dialogue taking place between the BHA and the PJA we urge everyone involved in racing to engage with this process and to work with us to take the sport forward with no disruption to the racing programme.