Jockeys 'upset and angry' following scheduling of additional fixture on Sunday

Jockeys have accused the BHA of ignoring their concerns following the scheduling of an additional Flat fixture on Sunday at Southwell.

Northern-based riders are said to be "upset and angry" after the opportunity to have a rare Sunday off was taken out of their control by the staging of the seven-race card.

The BHA moved to put on the all-weather meeting as a replacement for Ffos Las on the same day, which was lost due to the wet weather. 

In a statement released by the PJA, chief executive Paul Struthers said: "Northern-based Flat jockey have had just one Sunday with no racing in or near the north since July, and this coming Sunday was a rare day where the vast majority could have a day off with their families.

"We have received countless calls from jockeys and their families who are understandably upset and angry that the BHA keeps doing this despite the PJA repeatedly raising jockeys' concern. The BHA cannot keep ignoring them."

Paul Struthers: "The BHA cannot keep ignoring them"Credit: Edward Whitaker

The BHA announced details of Southwell's additional fixture on Thursday, at which point its head of racing and betting Tom Byrne said: “We have added a fixture at Southwell following the abandonment of Ffos Las’s meeting in order to ensure that we retain race opportunities at a time the demand within the horse population exists.

“The addition of this fixture followed the normal process and took into consideration the potential geographical spread of fixtures, balancing all factors in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the sport.” 

The Southwell fixture will feature seven races, with the ability to divide to nine. A total of 113 entries were made on Friday before Saturday's final declaration stage.

Earlier this year, the BHA scrapped plans for floodlit Sunday evening fixtures following an unsuccessful six-meeting trial.

The initiative produced negative feedback from participants with more than a third of jockeys saying they would not support its continuation, according to the results of a PJA survey.

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