Sponsorship boost in pipeline for jockeys

Jockeys in the UK are set to have more scope for sponsorship with the removal of the owners’ veto in the near future.

Since 1999, the British Horseracing Board has operated the veto as part of the jockeys’ sponsorship code of conduct.

Now, however, there is broad industry agreement that a new system should be brought into place to allow owners to come to individual commercial agreements with jockeys regarding sponsorship. A trial of the new arrangements is about to start.

Wide consultation has taken place and owners who had exercised the veto were contacted for their views on the current system and their feedback will be taken into account.

New software for the online and telephone booking of jockeys has been specifically developed to enable trainers to see at-a-glance whether a jockey is sponsored.

A test of this new software, with National Trainers’ Federation and Jockeys’ Association of Great Britain representation, will take place shortly.

BHB marketing director Chris John said: “BHB want to promote a more commercial environment for jockes and their sponsors, whilst at the same time recognising that owners have the final say over any branding associated with their horses.”

Jockeys’ Association chief executive John Blake added: “It is a key issue for jockeys to be able to exercise more control over their commercial rights.

“We hope the removal of the old veto will be complete by next month and believe that these new commercial arrangements will benefit the sport as a whole.”