Financial boost for apprentice jockeys after BHA bolsters prize-money share

Apprentice jockeys will be given a larger share of their prize-money winnings and riding fees next year under new BHA rules which will grant them greater independence from their employers and lay the foundations for a fairer working relationship.

However, the new rules, which will be implemented from March and were unanimously agreed by the BHA and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), did not receive the backing of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), prompting some backlash from trainers.

Richard Fahey has been responsible for many leading apprentices, including title winners Paul Hanagan and Freddy Tylicki, but described the new breakdown of fees as "extremely disappointing", adding he "won’t be having any more apprentices after my current ones".

Previously, Flat trainers retained up to 50 per cent of an apprentice’s riding fee and prize-money yields, depending on their claim and regardless of who they rode for, in return for paying towards the jockey's expenses, such as travel and certain items of kit.

However, the PJA believed this system was abused by some trainers who either refused to pay expenses, or created an atmosphere which led to apprentices fearing to ask for payment as they felt it would risk their chances of future rides.

This is set to change from March next year following a BHA audit into the trainer-apprentice agreements, with apprentices set to receive no less than 80 per cent of their riding fee and prize-money, but trainers no longer required to pay their expenses.

The NTF has not given its backing to the changes, which it feels undervalue the extent of the trainers' contribution to establishing an apprentice rider.

'Enough is enough' as Fahey refuses to take on any more apprentices

Megan Nicholls: no excuse not to treat apprentices and conditionals the same

Lee Mottershead: an indefensible wrong is finally righted as BHA steps in to protect apprentices

Tim Naylor, BHA director of integrity and regulation, said: "It is important that financial arrangements between young riders and their employers are clear, simple, and fair and allow both parties to focus on training, support and development rather than potentially creating an uneven balance of power.

"Whilst all parties agreed on the need for some reform, a unanimous agreement on the final structure could not be reached and as such we are aware that the changes announced today will not be met with unanimous support."

Apprentices expressed concerns over the previous systemCredit: Edward Whitaker

As part of the audit, which began in late 2018, the BHA conducted a number of interviews with Flat trainers and apprentices to establish the dynamic between employer and employee, finding many of the concerns raised by the PJA around a climate of fear over losing rides, non-payment of expenses and an unwillingness to modernise pervaded at some yards.

The PJA expressed pleasure at the rule changes and the willingness of the NTF to engage in the process, while also voicing some disappointment the new rules do not match the agreement for conditional jockeys, who retain all their prize-money and, from March, their entire riding fee as well, having previously forfeited 50 per cent of that as 7lb claimers.

In a statement, the PJA said: "It was clear that under the previous structure it was too easy for employers to avoid their responsibilities, which was leading to many apprentices being left significantly out of pocket, causing friction and was not therefore fit for purpose.

"We would have preferred to adopt the same model as that in place for conditionals, but were willing to compromise in order to try to reach a consensus and to ensure that those good employers – of which there are many – would still have an incentive to employ apprentices."

The statement added: "Whilst it was ultimately disappointing that the NTF was eventually unable to agree to the proposals, we genuinely appreciate the efforts of their chief executive, Rupert Arnold, and the Flat Committee. We also thank the BHA board for approving these changes in the absence of an agreement."

While the BHA estimates Flat trainers will annually receive £350 less under the new terms for a 7lb apprentice, £900 for a 5lb claimer and up to £6,300 for a 3lb apprentice, it is confident sufficient incentives remain for employers and that consideration was taken for concerns around costs and time spent helping apprentices become established.

Rupert Arnold: NTF chief executive

Nevertheless, the NTF stated it was unable to support the new rules and added that trainers who have been strong producers of apprentices in the past may no longer participate.

An NTF statement said: "Despite a long and detailed consultation, the NTF was unable to support the proposed changes because trainers believe the remaining share of income does not sufficiently recognise the trainer’s contribution to establishing an apprentice.

"Trainers incur costs and must persuade sometimes reluctant owners to enable apprentices to gain race-riding experience. At the same time, trainers must pay a full-time wage when the apprentice is away from the yard riding in races and must account for all the VAT, so the trainer's income is nowhere near the figures previously portrayed.

"Some trainers who have historically provided many apprentices with a successful entry point to their race-riding career say they will cease to continue under the proposed arrangements because the residual income will not compensate for the business risk. It will be a great shame if the changes decided by the BHA lead to a reduction in opportunities for young riders."

Read The Lowdown from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post app for all the day's going updates, news and tips