'Brave' Flintoff bulimia documentary shines light on delicate issue for racing

The Professional Jockeys Association has reacted to Andrew Flintoff's revelations about his eating disorder by admitting the problem remains "an ongoing issue" in racing.

The former England cricket star laid bare his struggles with bulimia in a BBC1 documentary, revealing he had battled with the condition and worries about his weight through much of his career.

Making the weight is an age-old problem for jockeys and the PJA welcomed Flintoff's efforts to shine a light on the issue, while also stressing the work that has been done to tackle the subject.

Dale Gibson, PJA executive director of racing, said: "Freddie Flintoff’s documentary discussing his experience with bulimia was brave and important and provided great insight and raised vital awareness of a serious issue.

"Daily weight management is part and parcel of everyday life for all professional jockeys. For a number of years now the PJA has employed a team of nutritionists to educate and support jockeys on healthy weight management techniques.

"Combined with the work of Liverpool John Moores University, Jerry Hill and the IJF, advice and support for jockeys on weight management is on a par with other sports and more and more are buying into the Jockey Athlete concept.

"Despite that, poor weight management techniques are still an issue and the issue of flipping undoubtedly hasn’t gone away. This remains an ongoing issue that we continue to work closely with Jerry and the IJF on, identifying issues and offering support to those who need it, whether that’s through Sporting Chance, Changing Minds or disordered eating specialists."

A BHA spokesperson pointed to co-operation across the industry on the issue and said: "The BHA and PJA are working closely on the issue of jockey health and wellbeing.

"We are investing heavily in research regarding jockey nutrition and what we are finding is that it is possible for jockeys to make weight while maintaining a balanced, healthy diet, and that this has a positive effect on body composition, strength, reaction time and coordination and mental health.

"We are working hard to help our jockey athletes take on board this approach."

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