Why I fear we could lose jockeys from our sport if this shutdown persists

The most worrying aspect of the coronavirus outbreak for racing is not knowing when we'll be back in action. We simply don't know how long the shutdown is going to last. If we knew for certain we'd be back on May 1 we would be able to process everything better and act accordingly.

The decision was made to stop British racing from Wednesday until the end of April at the earliest, but I'd have liked to have stayed behind closed doors a little longer like Ireland has done, monitoring things on a daily basis.

Having said that, it was a tricky call. The BHA was in an awkward position. The key thing is racing has got to be seen to be doing the responsible thing. Every other sport has stopped and for us to carry on regardless could have looked foolhardy.

Being self-employed, jockeys are going to struggle to earn anything until racing returns. Most jockeys are going to have to find other ways of earning money to get them through this time.I have no income coming in and it's worrying. I have three young children to provide for and I've got to keep everything going.

I'm lucky to be in a stronger position than a lot of people. I'm a busy jockey but there are lots of others who are just surviving. They're doing a job they love, but they're not making a fortune. For racing to suddenly stop like this it places a huge amount of pressure in terms of paying mortgages, rents or any monthly outgoings.

The summer is quieter for jump jockeys while the winter is quieter for those on the Flat and you try to build up some savings to get you through those times. For some jockeys that's not easy to do. Some trainers will be able to help by paying jockeys to ride out, but they are under a lot of pressure themselves with owners taking their horses out of training.

We might see some jockeys forced to leave the sport because of this crisis. When you've got bills to pay you've got to find a method or means of bringing money in. We jockeys, by our very nature, are hard-working, tough people who do whatever needs to be done. It might be that some have to go work for a supermarket or different industry for a certain amount of time. But hopefully later down the line they'll be able to come back to racing.

A lot of people in racing are self-employed and it's hoped we get the support and help we need. Every day we're hearing what the government is going to do to support different people from different industries. It is under huge pressure to deal with a war-like situation. There has been a reaction, but it's going to take time and it might take longer to reach certain people.

The role of the Professional Jockeys Association is crucial at times like this. I'm president of the association and believe we're in a strong position to offer support to members. Before racing had even stopped the wheels were in motion and the organisation is working hard to help everybody.

Some will need more help than others, be it financially or mentally. With the Injured Jockeys Fund as well, we have a good support team in times of need. Some people might not want to ask for help, but it's not something to be embarrassed about. I'd like to reiterate to any jockey out there that the PJA phone line is always open for them and they won't be judged. We're all in the same boat and it's important for people to feel comfortable asking for help, advice and support.

Time on the farm and with the family awaitsCredit: Edward Whitaker

I'm going to have a lot more spare time on my hands than I'm used to, but I'll be keeping busy. I have young horses at home to get ready for the sales, although there's uncertainty about whether they will take place, which is another knock-on effect for racing. I'll be getting more involved on the farm with my dad and brother as well as looking after the children, with the schools now shut.

My parents are of the age that is more concerning in terms of the virus, so I just want everyone to stay safe and get through this outbreak. I went with my dad to take the cattle to the abattoir one morning this week. I know where to go now, so my brother and I will make the journey instead of putting my dad at any further risk. It's great to be able to help. The nation needs to eat and farming is going to be an important role to play in the next few months.

As a world we're in times that have never been seen before and everyone wants the virus go the right way so we can get back on track. It has been disappointing for racing, but all the jockeys I've come across have taken it very well. We are being responsible as a sport. I hope people can keep an interest in racing. We all want the same goal and it's important to focus on that.

Unfortunately there aren't going to be any winners out of this situation, but it's important everyone sticks together and tries to help out where they can. The racing community is strong and robust. It's amazing how strong we can be and hopefully we'll come through this.

Frustrated at title loss but fair play to Brian

The season is over and it has been a frustrating one. It's very disappointing not to hold on to my championship. Although it was going to be an uphill struggle, I was hoping to give Brian [Hughes] a bit of a challenge over the last few weeks but that can't happen now.

The title duel with Brian Hughes was cut shortCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

We may have missed the last six weeks but we had over ten months of the season and it's only right Brian is crowned champion. He should be very proud of what he has achieved because being champion jockey is the best accolade you can get.

It's unfortunate that he's going to miss out on having his day at Sandown. Picking up the trophy on the last day of the season has been a highlight for me over the last four years. It's very special and it's a shame Brian is not going to have that.

I've had an up-and-down campaign and breaking my arm was a particular low point. But I'm still very lucky to have had a busy season and lots of winners. It's exciting to have some very nice horses coming through for Philip Hobbs and Olly Murphy, the likes of Thyme Hill and Brewin'upastorm, and hopefully there are some future stars among them.

Hopefully we'll be back up and running for the start of the new season in May. Trying to regain my crown will be my main ambition and losing it has actually made me keener than ever. It's always been my goal to be champion. It took me a long time to get there and now I've had a taste of it, I'll be trying my hardest to get it back.

National cancellation is a big blow

We heard rumours the Grand National was going to be run behind closed doors, and even though the thought of running the race without any crowds or atmosphere was hard to envisage we were very keen for that to happen. To lose it is a big shame for the whole of the sport.

The Gold Cup is the most prestigious race, but the National is world famous. It stirs excitement like no other and through things like office sweepstakes, attracts those with no interest in racing for one day.

Red light: Grand National was cancelled following the coronavirus outbreakCredit: Christopher Furlong / Getty Images

Tiger Roll was coming back to try and make history and his bid for three in a row would have given the sport great exposure. It was reassuring to see Gordon [Elliott] saying they'll be looking to get him back for next year.

It has certainly not been my luckiest race. I hold the record for having the most rides in the National, but it's the one main race that has eluded me so far. I've had a couple of near-misses and it would be nice to put that right some time soon. Hopefully Native River can come back from injury and go for it next year as he looks an ideal horse for it.

After Cheltenham, you start thinking about three days of Aintree and it's a real highlight of the spring. There were lots of good horses who missed Cheltenham to wait for the meeting and they've not had the chance to have their big day.

It's also a big loss for the people of Liverpool, who take great pride in the National. We'll all be looking forward to getting back there next year.

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