PJA announces changes to claiming structure for amateur and conditional jockeys

The Professional Jockeys Association has agreed with the BHA and National Trainers Federation to extend the number of winners required before a rider loses their 5lb claim.

From March 29 on the Flat and May 1 over jumps, apprentice and conditional riders can ride a further ten winners before they reduce their claim from 5lb to 3lb. 

Jump jockeys can now claim 5lb until they have won 50 races, and Flat jockeys until 60. The move decreases the number of winners during the 3lb stage by ten.

The PJA’s executive director Dale Gibson said: "It seemed a little out of kilter that the last part of the claim was the hardest. What we’ve been able to achieve should be progressive and the likes of George Baker, Niger Tinkler and the BHA data team have all been helpful.

"We’ve seen riders go to Australia and America and the last thing we want is jockeys moving abroad or hitting a bump in the road, which can often happen. 

"The whole package of the development, which will give riders more time in the yard and more coaching, should hopefully see some positive outcomes."

The full revised claim structure

Jockeys' weight allowances in Flat races

7lb until they have won 20 races
5lb until they have won 60 races
3lb until they have won 95 races

Jockeys' weight allowances in jump races

10lb until they have won 5 races if they are a conditional jockey riding for their employing trainer
7lb until they have won 20 races
5lb until they have won 50 races
3lb until they have won 75 races

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