THERE will be no immediate changes to new whip rules but the situation will be under review, with a report expected by ‘‘no later than the end of the week’’, the British Horseracing Authority said in a statement last evening.

Representatives of the Professional Jockeys Association met with the BHA in London to air their concerns over the new regulations, which came into effect last Monday.

A number of jockeys have fallen foul of the rules, with Richard Hughes deciding to hand in his riding licence after picking up his second suspension of the week at Kempton last Thursday.

Five more jockeys were suspended yesterday, including Kieren Fox for his second offence.

The debate was thrust firmly into the spotlight at Ascot on Saturday after Christophe Soumillon was found to have hit Qipco Champion Stakes winner Cirrus Des Aigles six times in the final furlong – once more than permitted.

The furious Belgian was not only handed a five-day suspension but also forced to forfeit his considerable percentage of the prize-money and his riding fee, totalling in excess of £50,000.

Representing the PJA at yesterday’s meeting were chief executive Kevin Darley, riders Ryan Moore, Frankie Dettori, Tony McCoy and Hughes, as well as trainer John Gosden.

The new rules were introduced last Monday and were believed to have been approved by jockeys and trainers, but many soon started to speak out against them.

Flat jockeys can use their whip seven times during a race but only five times during the final furlong, while jump jockeys are allowed eight strikes in all and just five of those after the final obstacle.

A BHA statement read: ‘‘The Authority’s review of the use of the whip in horseracing was undertaken over ten months by an expert working group involving widespread consultation and evidence gathering from stakeholders across the sport and more widely including animal welfare organisations and the general public.

‘‘The Board has reiterated its endorsement of the principles behind the review. The new rules, adopted by the Authority, received widespread support from across the industry.

‘‘Any change to regulations must be carefully considered and subject to due process.

‘‘This means that appropriate evidence needs to be reviewed and there will need to be engagement with other relevant parties.

‘‘The Board has directed the Review Group to undertake this process and report back by no later than the end of the week.

‘‘Until any changes are made, the current rules will continue to apply.’’ After the meeting which lasted roughly 90 minutes, none of the jockeys were prepared to comment, but Darley emerged satisfied they had a chance to put forward their case.

He said in a statement last night: ‘‘We will continue to work closely with the British Horseracing Authority in coming days to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

‘‘We will await the Authority’s response to the very realistic and sensible proposals that the jockeys made to the BHA board today.

‘‘However, time is pressing and amendments to the new rules that jockeys believe are workable need to be adopted very soon.

‘‘As far as jockeys are concerned the current situation cannot continue, and we have made that clear to the BHA.

‘‘A resolution to this issue must be found.’’