The Jockey Club has announced an amendment to the controversial rules restricting jockeys' use of mobile phones at racetracks.

For a trial period, jockeys are to be allowed to make mobile phone calls from within the "phone zone" without having to log the details.

The move has been welcomed by the Jockeys Association, but chief executive John Blake warned there are still "fundamental issues" that need to be sorted out.

In a statement, the Jockey Club said it had "looked at various ways of making jockeys' lives easier while at the same time maintaining the integrity of racing".

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Under the new system jockeys will be required to register a phone for use in the "phone zone" and will not be able to use a different one.

Weighing-room security staff will be able to police the system with spot-checks.

Jockey Club director of regulation Malcolm Wallace said: "An increasing number of jockeys, especially under NH rules, have been using the phone zone, and the current trial has been going well.

"However, if we can achieve our aims and at the same time make life simpler for the jockeys, it must be right to do so."

It is hoped the new system will be trialled from early next month to late January, when it will be reviewed.

The Jockeys Association has confirmed its support for the introduction of the amended restrictions.

Chief executive John Blake said: "I am pleased that the Jockey Club have taken the opportunity to progress discussions that appeared in danger of stalling.

"I note that the Jockey Club have incorporated some of my suggestions, aimed at progressing a more balanced compromise, to improve on the current restrictions.

"I am disappointed, however, that at this point we are not able to make progress on some of the other fundamental issues."