Jockeys receive additional 1lb safety allowance as BHA confirms weights rise

Jockeys have welcomed the move to increase their safety allowance by 1lb after they "found a solution" following protracted discussions with the BHA over the contentious issue of scrapping weight allowances.

The BHA on Monday confirmed plans to remove the 3lb weight allowance and instead increase the minimum weights by 2lb, but with an additional 1lb safety allowance added into the equation. The changes are due to come into force on May 2.

Jockeys currently have a 3lb back protector allowance, which will rise to a general 4lb safety allowance in the revised plan.

The removal of the weight allowance, first announced by the BHA in January and initially due to come into effect on March 26 for the Flat and April 29 over jumps, had been met with dismay and anger in the weighing room.

It had been brought in following the closure of saunas on British racecourses due to Covid-19 restrictions, but with that weight-shedding option closed for good, jockeys spoke out strongly against the proposal.

Talks between the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the BHA, as well as the National Trainers Federation (NTF), have taken place since the start of February with senior jockeys "expressing their desire to maintain part of the additional allowance while accepting the general 2lb weights rise under each code".

Following the BHA's announcement, PJA joint-president PJ McDonald said: "I'm pleased the BHA and NTF were open to further discussion, we have found a solution and look forward to moving on with the year ahead."

Fellow jockey and PJA president David Bass said: "Naturally I would have preferred to keep the full allowance, as I have seen such a positive impact on jockeys' wellbeing. However, after further discussion I'm pleased we have kept part of the allowance along with a rise in the weights. I trust that the new structure provides everyone with the same opportunities while maintaining recent progression on jockey welfare."

Why are jockeys up in arms about the change to the minimum weights in Britain?

The BHA said horses will continue to carry the same weights as since the Covid allowance was introduced, but the weights published in racecards will increase by 2lb, providing the racing public with more accurate information about the weights being carried by horses.

Work to ensure increased transparency for customers around the existence of the 4lb safety allowance is also planned.

Richard Wayman, chief operating officer of the BHA, said: "During these discussions riders have stressed the psychological benefits that the Covid allowance provided in terms of allowing them to manage the natural fluctuations in their body weight that occur from day-to-day. Many have stated that retaining at least some of this flexibility is as important for their wellbeing as any rise in the weights.

"We also recognise, however, that the decision to introduce a temporary Covid allowance has had a number of other consequences. Customers rightly expect transparency and accurate information, and the allowance has meant that horses have been carrying nearly half a stone more than the weights published in racecards and what is recorded in historical records.

"The extra 1lb safety allowance will also provide riders with some flexibility to manage daily variations in their body weight."

The NTF released the following statement: "It was understood that any discussion about the replacement of the temporary Covid-19 allowance would be a difficult one, with varying views evident both inside and outside of our organisation.

"While we are of the view that some reflection is needed on the issues that caused the consultation process to fail here in the first instance, despite seemingly being fully adhered to, we are accepting of the outcome that has ultimately been reached."

However, trainer Chris Dwyer expressed his concerns over the new system, saying: "This weight rise is crazy. Surely 4lb for the back protector plus the 2lb weight rise is exactly how it's been since saunas have gone. Why can't the weights go up 6lb and not be underhand by hiding 4lb?"

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board will also increase the jockeys' safety allowance to 4lb following confirmation that weighing-room saunas on Irish racecourses will remain permanently closed from early May.

Read more on this subject:

BHA defends move to raise riding weights despite criticism from jockeys

'It's not going to help any of us' – jockeys critical of weights rise

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