Petition To Roy Paul Of The BHA, Rethink The New Whip Rules Immediately.

As a supporter of horse racing I want the BHA to suspend the new whip rules immediately. Everyone agrees and believes that the well being of any race horse is of paramount importance that is why the whips that are now being used are designed to not hurt or mark the horse in any way. The British public should be made aware of this. Cruelty is not the issue here as the vast majority of people that work in the racing industry whether they be stable staff, trainers, owners or jockeys love and protect the horses in their care. The decision you have made is very quickly starting to tear the sport of horse racing apart. These new rules are directly affecting both the safety of jockeys in races and the livelihood of jockeys and their families off the course. It does seems that the decision that was made lacks intelligent foresight and the correct amount of consultation with the right people within racing. One of the country's most respected jockeys Richard Hughes has said ‘They’re taking the art of race riding away from me. It’s like telling Messi not to use his left foot anymore. I will only consider starting again if there is a review of the rules. I’d rather sweep roads than do half a job.’ When a jockey of Richard's calibre makes a statement like this then it's time to to get off your high horse and listen. If you don't make the necessary changes I hope the Professional Jockeys Association instruct all jockeys to fall behind Richard Hughes and withhold their services until you do. Racing has enough problems ahead with prize money and funding. The changes you have made to the whip rules is now having the effect of compounding this problem. The racing public are starting to become disillusioned being turned off the sport in large numbers. That can only be a bad sign for everyone, so take notice. Do the right thing, use some common sense, suspend the new whip rules and consult with everyone in racing, especially the jockeys. Let's find the correct and safe solution that everyone can work with and abide by for the benefit of both horses, horse racing and the racing public.