BHA defends decision to increase riding weight despite criticism from jockeys

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Since racing resumed after the first Covid lockdown, jockeys had been given a £3 allowance as a temporary measure with saunas and gymnasiums out of service. It was announced in November that the saunas would be permanently removed from the weigh room.

The BHA will introduce a 2 pound increase in the lower and upper weights on March 26, replacing the 3 pound allowance, although Dale Gibson, acting CEO of the Professional Jockeys Association, said that “some jockeys are concerned that their body weight naturally increased during the long period of Covid where the £3 allowance was used”.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BHA said: “In light of comments made regarding the 2 pound weight increase announced yesterday, the BHA would like to clarify a few areas relating to policy and consultation.

“The 3lb Covid allowance was a temporary emergency measure introduced to support jockeys when saunas and gymnasiums were closed as an infection control measure.

“As part of the consultation regarding the potential withdrawal of saunas, longer-term solutions were discussed to ensure that jockeys continue to be supported should saunas be withdrawn.

Clarification on weight allowances

“The £3 Covid allowance has not been scrapped in its entirety as has been suggested. It has been replaced with a 2lb increase in min and max weights in all races other than Pattern races (where the weight structure will be reviewed race by race) and amateur flat races.

“Increasing the maximum weight in the handicaps has the effect of moving the weights up, meaning all riders will be carrying 2lbs more than before in the vast majority of pre-Covid UK racing, and just 1lb less than during the temporary Covid measures. .

“A £3 allowance for safety equipment, introduced following the requirement to wear Level 2 body protector, will remain in place, as will an additional £1 allowance for all flat jockeys during the months of winter. winter to allow for an extra layer of warm clothing.

“The 2 pound rise also brings maximum weights in line with those in Ireland.

“The 2-pound weight increase has been accepted by the industry’s Racing Group, which includes cross-industry representation. The process that was followed to implement these changes included consultation with jockeys, through multiple meetings with the PJA.

“This is an issue that affects more than one part of the sport, and as such the consultation also took into account the views of other sectors. Concerns have been expressed by the NTF (National Trainers Federation ) regarding the potential impact on some horses of systematically setting higher weights.

“Decisions like this require a balancing of the different viewpoints gathered during the consultation to determine the most appropriate recommendations. The resulting recommendations were then presented to the Interprofessional Racing Group before being ratified by the BHA Board of Directors.

“The 2 pound weight increase is 1 pound less than what was requested by the PJA during the consultation, and is a result that reflects consideration and balancing of all conflicting opinions presented by the parties consulted.

“Following consultation with their representative body, the BHA would of course be happy to discuss and explain the changes with any jockeys who would like to talk to us further.”

Runners frustrated with latest adjustment

Several jockeys are considering what action to take after the announcement.

Liam Keniry said the mood was one of frustration rather than anger.

He said: “It was definitely not what we expected, really. We obviously voted, and I don’t know what happened. Collectively, not everyone is very happy at all – the saunas have been ripped off and we don’t keep our allowance.They gave with one hand and took with the other.

“The majority of the weigh room feels the same. I don’t know what the next step will be. I haven’t spoken to Dale (Gibson) yet. I haven’t heard anything about a strike, but there is a level of frustration rather than anger.

Agent: What is the need to go back?

Former jockey Nicky Adams, now agent for flat jockey Adam Kirby among others, said: “It worked perfectly well.

“Everyone knew that when the Covid came they stopped the saunas which was probably a blessing in disguise as far as racetracks were concerned because they had wanted to get rid of them for a long time. They gave everyone 3 pounds and now they take them away and don’t give them anything. It’s ridiculous.

“People are always going to have to lose a bit of weight one way or another, because that’s how the game was years ago, let alone now.

“We all got used to having the 3 books and now they are starting to play with it again. Listening to the jocks, I don’t think anyone is happy with it at all.

“All sportsmen have gotten used to this 3lb allowance by now and we’ve been doing well for two years, so why they suddenly have to change the system is really ridiculous.

“We’ve all gotten used to it, we all know where we’re at and changing it again doesn’t help anyone to be completely honest – and that’s coming from a former lightweight jockey.”

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