FORMER Champion Jockey Seb Sanders has hit out at the latest rule change for jockeys meaning they can only ride at one fixture a day – despite the weighing room voting for the switch.
The rule was brought in as the sport restarted with strict COVID-19 protocols in place.
It meant a jockey could no longer tear up and down motorways between fixtures to take an extra amount of rides.
Most are on board with the move as the sport continues to improve its welfare protocols.
The Professional Jockeys Association and BHA announced the final decision yesterday – a move backed by the majority of jockeys.
Every jockey contacted on Thursday also supported the switch and said it had only been a matter of time.
But Sanders disagreed and said: “If you ask the jockeys that are going to actually be affected by this, they wouldn’t want it. They want to go out and earn money.
“They’ve got bills to pay. If they want to bring in something like this they should have done it properly.”
He added; “It’s a real bad idea. I come from a working class background and if you’re self-employed, you don’t want any restriction on trade and this is that.
“It used to frustrate me that I couldn’t offer my services. If they’re going to bring it in then they’re going to have to compensate the jockeys.”
It’s understood around three-quarters of jockeys that took part in the survey supported the move.
PJA joint-president and top northern rider PJ McDonald was one of those voices.
He said: “I am very pleased that the one meeting protocol has been extended, and believe strongly that it will benefit the long-term physical and mental health of riders competing today and in the future.
“This will allow us to achieve a better work-life balance, which is so important whatever your profession.”
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