Jockeys will face stiffer penalties for use of the whip in new rules being introduced in two weeks' time following a 10-month review by the British Horseracing Authority.
Riders are being further restricted as to how many times they can use the whip in a race, as well as being handed out stiffer punishments for using it with excessive frequency.
Frequency guidelines have been removed and replaced by strict and easily understood limits on whip use.
The whip can only be used a maximum of seven times in a Flat race, and eight times in a jumps race (and only five times in the last furlong/after the last obstacle).
This is roughly half the amount of times a whip could be used previously before being in breach of the rules of racing.
Increased entry-point penalties are being implemented, with a five-day minimum suspension for not adhering to the frequency limits. The previous minimum penalty was a caution.
A jockey who incurs a whip ban of three days or more will forfeit his riding fee and prize-money percentage.
Penalties will increase for those who breach the rules on more than one occasion, and the second offence will be double that of a first offence.
Leading jockeys and trainers have welcomed the changes to rules governing the use of the whip in horse racing.
Frankie Dettori, arguably the most famous face in Flat racing, said: "I am not proud of having fallen foul of the whip rules in the past but I have never harmed a horse.
"These new rules are easy to understand which will help all jockeys ride within them.
"I accept these new rules are in the best interest of our great sport and it is right that they should be in place in time for Britain's richest ever raceday, Qipco British Champions Day (Ascot, October 15)."
Tony McCoy, champion jumps jockey for the last 16 years and reigning BBC Sports Personality of the Year, said: "The PJA (Professional Jockeys Association) has worked closely with the Authority on the BHA's Review and I hope my colleagues embrace the proposed changes as being in the best interest of the sport.
"I for one support the changes."
Sir Henry Cecil, 10-times champion Flat trainer, added: "The BHA has done an excellent, thorough job with their review and I welcome these changes, which will hopefully serve British Racing well."
