The British Horseracing Authority has eased its new whip regulations following an outcry from jockeys.
Jockeys struggled to come to terms with the guidelines, which were implemented last week and allow no more than seven hits in a flat race and eight over jumps.
While that number remains the same, the BHA has scrapped the rule that ordered jockeys to use their whip no more than five times inside the final furlong, or after the final obstacle in National Hunt races.
Riders will no longer lose their riding fee if suspended for a whip offense, and only a percentage of their prize money for a ban of seven days or more rather than the three days previously stated.
The stricter regulations took effect Oct. 12 and lasted only nine days before the BHA relented.
Jockeys had threatened to strike unless the BHA revisited the regulations. Jockey Richard Hughes announced he was handing in his riding license after being issued with a 15-day ban following his second breach of the new rules.
"I'd rather sweep roads than do half a job," Hughes said.
NewsCore contributed to this report.
