Racing's authorities have moved to calm the situation after jockey protests over the new whip rules threatened to boil over into strike action.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has called representatives of the riders to a board meeting on Monday to discuss their grievances in the wake of jockey Richard Hughes' decision to quit after being hit with two bans.

Earlier, the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) submitted proposals that included revisions to the range of penalties for infringements as well as some further clarifications of the rules.

A statement from the BHA last night read: "The British Horseracing Authority yesterday confirmed that it was listening to jockeys' concerns about the new whip rules and that it had asked for and would consider any formal submission the Professional Jockeys Association chose to make on this subject.

"The BHA has today invited the PJA to attend a planned board meeting of the authority on Monday so that they can elaborate further on the submission they have made before further detailed consideration by the BHA's Review Group. The PJA has accepted this invitation.

"This dialogue will build on constructive talks we held with the PJA on Tuesday. Throughout the process of amending the rules on use of the whip and associated penalties the BHA has worked closely with representatives of the PJA and we are encouraged that they recognise our commitment to thorough consultation.

"We will not be suspending the current rules pending these discussions, but we do commit to resolving this matter as quickly as possible while ensuring that due process is followed."

In a veiled reference to rumours of a strike at the three tracks due to race on Monday, the BHA statement said: "In light of the positive dialogue taking place between the BHA and the PJA we urge everyone involved in racing to engage with this process and to work with us to take the sport forward with no disruption to the racing programme."

In light of the impending meeting on Monday, the BHA said it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage.

The courses due to stage fixtures on Monday - Windsor, Pontefract and Plumpton - said they had not been told of any potential strike.

Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) president Rachel Hood, wife of trainer John Gosden, hopes strike action can be averted.

"Along with the rest of racing, the ROA is extremely disappointed that the new whip rules have led to this controversy, especially at a time when the racing world should be basking in the positive publicity of British Champions Day," she said.

"We very much hope the jockeys will pull back from taking action until the BHA and PJA can meet.

"Such a meeting must take place immediately and must be conducted in a climate where the jockeys' concerns are listened to and acted upon.

"The PJA's chief executive Kevin Darley is a very reasonable man who understands the importance of balancing the anxiety of his members with the requirements of racing's regulator."

Champion National Hunt trainer Paul Nicholls believes it could be time for the BHA to suspend the regulations until all parties can agree on suitable guidelines and penalties.

The trainer said: "We, in racing, fully appreciate that we have a wider responsibility now and that the days of 'win at all costs' should be banished to the past. But when jockeys relate that they would rather err on the side of caution and finish second, rather than risk a ban going for the win, what sort of message is that sending to punters?"

n Declan Cannon was found guilty of breaching new whip regulations at Redcar.

Cannon rode Categorical to finish second in the Sam Hall Memorial Handicap behind Countrywide Flame.

The stewards found Cannon guilty of using his whip with excessive frequency and banned him for five days.

He will be out of action from October 28 to November 2 inclusive. He will also lose his riding fee and percentage of prize money.