Bittar sets festival target for whip resolution

Paul Bittar, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, is keen to find a resolution to the controversial whip rules before the Cheltenham Festival gets underway in March.

The sanctions were originally introduced in October and although some amendments have been made since, a number of riders under both codes have continued to oppose the changes.

A meeting between the British Horseracing Authority and the Professional Jockeys' Association in London on Friday was described as 'productive', and new BHA chief executive Bittar remains hopeful common ground can be found before the biggest meeting of the National Hunt season.

Andrew Thornton and Conor O'Farrell became the latest riders to fall foul of the rules when handed five-day suspensions at Ascot on Saturday.

"I think there will need to be certain modifications made to ensure that we get the balance right between our overarching role of ensuring horse welfare, but also understanding people who make a livelihood from the sport are not punished disproportionately for the crime, or a breach of the rules," said Bittar.

"We've got meetings again with the Professional Jockeys' Association lined up for three or four weeks' time, prior to Cheltenham.

"I'd be looking to have that issue resolved as it is not an issue we want leading the discussion about racing."

The other major issue Bittar want to address is the funding in British racing, with the loophole stopping offshore-based bookmakers contributing to the Levy something he is keen to eradicate.

"The real issue for British racing is resolving the funding issue. That's probably not a six-month issue, it's a 12 to 24 or 36-month issue," Bittar told BBC Radio Five Live.

"We're leading discussions with the government on behalf of the industry and the government are very aware and very conscious of that loophole.

"They don't believe that it's right that bookmakers offshore don't contribute to the Levy and I think that point is probably unarguable.

"The sport in the UK is in a very healthy position, apart from the funding."