CALLS are growing to give jockeys more days off with fears of burnout if something isn’t done.
With the new fixture list released today, Flat jockeys are in line for just THREE days rest from April until October.
And with over a quarter of jockeys seeking mental health support in 2020, the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) are calling for change.
With racing’s finances continuing to suffer with behind closed doors action, the sport has relied on the Levy and betting income to get by.
But the PJA say this needs to measured against the welfare of jockeys, trainers and other participants.
Dale Gibson, PJA Executive Director, said: “We are pleased that the National Hunt break in August and the two scheduled flat breaks in March and November have been retained as these have proved to be of significant benefit to all Jockeys and their families.
“However, whilst we need to be mindful of recovering from the financial impacts of the Covid 19 crisis, much more needs to be done to ease the significant pressures on the workforce.
“Due to the Covid related changes to the fixture list this summer, flat Jockeys, valets and other racing staff will see 167 days of racing with only three guaranteed days off between April 19th and October 2nd: two Sundays in May and one in July.
“Participants in racing are not afraid of long days and hard work, but that is a tough gig in anyone’s book.
“It is no wonder that Jockeys suffer burnout at twice the rate of athletes in other professional sports and that more than 25% of PJA members accessed some form of one-to-one mental health support in 2020.
“2022 needs to see a combination of extended breaks and more single code Sundays.
“The sport needs to pay more than lip service to participant welfare and any post-Covid financial recovery plan must balance maximising financial returns with the welfare of jockeys, trainers and racing staff.”
Also announced with the new fixture list was that prize money would return to pre-COVID levels from May.
Gibson added: “All parties, but especially the BHA Racing Department, must be thanked for their hard work and skill in maintaining a workable fixture list since we resumed from lockdown last summer.
“Finalising any fixture list is never an easy task but has been made even more challenging this year for obvious reasons.
“Everyone has had to compromise as result of the challenges and ongoing uncertainties caused by the global pandemic.”
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Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/chris-hughes-can-go-from-love-island-star-to-cheltenham-festival-winner-with-horse-that-leaves-him-shaking
