Health warning for jockeys

DEHYDRATION among jockeys has become a major problem in Irish racing and random testing may have to be introduced to combat it.

A study commissioned by the Irish Turf Club and carried out by the National Coaching and Training Centre (NCTC) has identified other health concerns among jockeys, such as low body fat and bone density which indicated osteopenia.

The Turf Club's Senior Steward, Pierce Molony said most of the problems were "directly attributable to the lifestyles and diets of most jockeys".