One of the rules that emerged during the coronavirus pandemic to foster safety limited jockeys to one race per day. The plan will be maintained even beyond Covid.
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) agreed to the extension after discussions with riders, trainers and others. The BHA said the rule will be extended through 2022, according to SBCNews.
“It is our job to do everything we can to ensure the welfare of our jockeys and it has become clear over the last year that the overwhelming majority of jockeys appreciate no longer competing at multiple meetings per day, and having to contend with the physical and mental pressures this placed upon them,” said Richard Wayman, COO of the BHA
The PJA said 72 percent of jockeys favored retaining the rule.
“When you factor in early morning work, extensive mileage, financial uncertainty and the significant physical and mental challenges of being a jockey, it’s arguably the most challenging of professional sports for an athlete,” said Dale Gibson, executive director (racing) of the PJA.
