BHA to Continue Meet Restrictions for Jockeys in 2022
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Photo: David Davies/PA Wire
Jockeys make their way to the parade ring at Bangor Racecourse
Jockeys are to be restricted to riding at one meeting in Britain through 2022 even as racing gradually returns to normal and the pandemic protocols ease.
Riders were prevented from taking part on more than one card on the same day when the sport resumed after shutdown in June last year. The ban was put in place mainly to prevent the risk of cross infection between venues and groups of jockeys and to keep travel to a minimum.
The restriction has remained in place while others, such as the need for strict social distancing and action taking place behind closed doors, have ended.
After consultations with jockeys and others, the BHA announced Aug. 25 it will extend the one meeting a day rule through 2022.
BHA chief operating officer Richard Wayman said: "Jockeys played a key role in ensuring racing's return in 2020 was a success, adapting to a new way of working in unusual circumstances while still producing at the highest level on the track.
"It is our job to do everything we can to ensure the welfare of our jockeys and it has become clear over the last year that the overwhelming majority of jockeys appreciate no longer competing at multiple meetings per day, and having to contend with the physical and mental pressures this placed upon them."
The PJA welcomed the move due to the arduous nature of the sport and Dale Gibson, executive director (racing), said: "Horseracing is incredibly demanding on trainers, jockeys, and racing staff, particularly given the size of the fixture list. When you factor in early morning work, extensive mileage, financial uncertainty, and the significant physical and mental challenges of being a jockey, it's arguably the most challenging of professional sports for an athlete.
"The PJA conducted a comprehensive jockey welfare survey earlier this year. The one meeting a day rule was one area we asked members about. The clear message, particularly from flat jockeys, was that there had been significant benefits to jockeys from the rule, which for most outweighed any negatives and that the majority, including 72% of flat jockeys, wanted the rule to remain.
"The PJA board had no hesitation in asking the BHA to take this step, and I'm sure the vast majority of the membership will be pleased it remains in place throughout 2022."