Champion jockey falls foul of new whip rules

Tony McCoy handed five-day ban by racing authorities for one stroke too many

RACING'S new whip rules claimed their highest-profile culprit when 16-times champion jockey Tony McCoy fell foul of the increased restrictions when riding at Welsh course Ffos Las on Sunday.

McCoy was handed a five-day ban to start on November 20 after exceeding the maximum of eight strokes when riding Caddie master to second place in the handicap hurdle.

"I gave him a flick after the third-last and obviously I forgot about it," said the jockey.

McCoy recently urged racing's authorities to relax the strict enforcement of the new rules, which have prompted talk of jockey strikes, and he was the member of a group of racing figures who approached the British Horseracing Association to take another look at the rules, and they lifted the limit from five to eight strokes.

He told the Newbury Weekly News last week: "To ban and then fine someone for going one stroke over the limit is just not fair.

"I'm adamant the things can't continue under the current guidelines.

"The stick is essential for jockeys."

Discussions are continuing between the BHA, whose communications manager Robin Mounsey said: "It's the same as before. Discussions are continuing. It would be wrong of us to react based solely on a high-profile jockey being suspended."

If the champion jockey repeats the offence, a 10-day ban is likely.