PJA upbeat as negotiations continue over jockeys' 3lb weight allowance

The BHA proposes ending the jockeys' 3lb weight allowance over jumps and on the FlatCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Talks regarding the proposed removal of jockeys' 3lb weight allowance have been productive but remain ongoing, according to the Professional Jockeys Association.

It is now almost a month since the BHA's plans were unveiled and immediately greeted with dismay by members of the weighing room.

With saunas having been closed at British racecourses due to Covid-19 restrictions, jockeys were permitted a 3lb weight allowance over jumps and on the Flat.

Yet, with all measures set to come to an end, the allowance is due to be scrapped, with a 2lb rise in the minimum and maximum weights under both codes coming into effect instead.

With saunas to stay closed and no longer a weight-shedding option at the racecourse, the planned ending of the 3lb allowance sparked strong criticism from jockeys, and the PJA and BHA have been in discussions over the matter since the start of February.

The Racing Post understands that under consideration is an overall 3lb rise in the weights, which would increase the minimum to 8st 3lb on the Flat and 10st 3lb over jumps, with the respective topweight in standard handicaps rising to 10st 3lb on the Flat and 12st 1lb over jumps, in order to avoid compression of the weight structure and protect competitiveness.

Jockeys hopeful of 'positive change' on weight allowance after meeting with BHA

Dale Gibson, interim chief executive of the PJA, told the Racing Post: "We're continuing our negotiations, which so far have been productive. We have had face-to-face meetings with members and stakeholders, and will continue to. Hopefully we can provide a further update relatively soon."

PJA joint-president PJ McDonald said earlier this month he had been "blindsided" by the plans, while a number of other leading jockeys have spoken out against the proposal.

Richard Kingscote said: "For two years we've managed with no saunas because of the extra weight allowance. Now we have no saunas and no extra weight allowance."

The BHA defended the plans, stating the Covid-19 allowance was always intended to be temporary.

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