Jockeys' workload under scrutiny

A working group has been set up by the Jockey Club to look at the problems jockeys face because of the increased fixture list.

It is the first step in a process that could lead to the introduction of curbs on how many days and hours jockeys work.

The working group will examine “ways in which professional jockeys can achieve a better work/life balance in light of the demands placed on them by today’s busy racing schedule”.

The working group, under the chairmanship of the Jockey Club’s licensing steward Michael Henriques, includes representatives of jockeys, trainers, the BHB and the British Racing School.

The group is aiming to produce a guide for jockeys which is accepted by the industry and which could be added to the Rules of Racing if it was deemed appropriate.

Malcolm Wallace, the Jockey Club’s director of regulation, said: “The past 15 years has witnessed the introduction of both all-weather racing and Sunday racing, as well as a significant increase in the amount of evening racing.

“The resulting evolution and expansion of the fixture list has had a major impact on jockeys’ working schedules, among others. However, as jockeys are self-employed, they are not currently bound by the same restrictions as other employees.”