Rules revised
http://www.drf.com/news/controversial-whip-rules-britain-softened
Maybe the desired effect for Britain - more jobs for local riders 
Irish Times Oct 25, 2011 “Murtagh to reduce races in Britain”
Murtagh, a three-time winner of the British Derby at Epsom, has decided to follow suit as he feels it is not worth picking up a suspension that would lead to him missing out on rides for his boss, John Oxx, in his homeland.
“These are bad rules introduced for the wrong reasons,” Murtagh said. "I cannot risk these lengths of bans when I come over to Britain. You won’t see me in the lead-up to major meetings like Royal Ascot and races like the Derby any more. I’ll probably draw the line at Group races only.
“I spoke to my boss John Oxx and he told me not to be going across to Britain for ordinary races. It’s just too risky. I can’t be picking up five-day bans or worse for committing the most minor of riding offences.”
PJA chief executive Kevin Darley said: “I have huge sympathy for Johnny, Ruby and all the Irish boys. They risk picking up long bans for minor offences in Britain that will stop them riding at home. It’s understandable that they are going to restrict themselves to only the top races in this country.”
“Britain’s whip rules relaxed”
Makes more sense!
LONDON (AP)—The whip rules in British horse racing have been relaxed slightly after an outcry from jockeys over harsh punishments.
The British Horseracing Authority said Tuesday the new regulations add more “discretion and common sense” to the rule book. Starting Thursday, jockeys will no longer be given automatic penalties for using the whip eight times in flat races and nine over jump races.
Stewards will instead review the ride in question before deciding whether a penalty is warranted.
Paul Bittar, BHA chief executive, says “a rule which polices the use of the whip based solely on a fixed number of strikes is fundamentally flawed.”
The Professional Jockeys Association welcomed revisions to the regulations Tuesday, saying “the previous penalty structure was not appropriate.”
