2018 Champion Apprentice Jason Watson has challenged officials to ‘come and live a day with us’ after the decision by the British Horseracing Authority to increase minimum riding weights by 2lb.
The decision has been met with severe opposition from leading jockeys. Classic winner Sean Levey described the decision as ‘one step forward and two steps back’, while Group One-winning rider Jason Watson said he was ‘disgusted’ by the ruling.
Weights had been initially raised by 3lb when racing returned after the interruption caused by the coronavirus outbreak. However, after the British Horseracing Authority held consultations with stakeholders, the consensus between the parties was that a 2lb allowance should be made permanent. A decision was also made to remove saunas facilities.
Despite the British Horseracing Authority’s claims that they consulted with cross-industry groups, including the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), many state they were unaware of the impending weight changes. These include Richard Kingscote and PJ McDonald, the PJA’s Flat safety officer.
PJA interim Chief Dale Gibson admitted there was still work to be done. Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, he said: “It’s been a quite extraordinary last couple of days. We were involved in consultation meetings in late summer and early autumn last year, where it was always our position that the 3lb Covid allowance would continue. How long that was going to go for? I don’t know.
“It became evident that, because the riders were in a better place not using the saunas, the Covid allowance was essential.
“The Covid allowance has meant they haven’t had to sweat in the car, they’ve been in a lot better place mentally and physically, and they’ve been able to utilise that 3lbs. “Jockeys have utilised the 3lb allowance to maintain rides for certain trainers, and it’s really key that riders keep riding for those same trainers.
“It’s going to be a struggle in the two months’ time for those same horses to be ridden by the rider of a trainer’s choice.
“It’s become a hot topic in the weighing room, and we’re keen to progress that matter.
“I think there’s work to do. We’ve already been in conversation with the BHA and the NTF (National Trainers Federation) on this subject, and we’re hoping to progress the outcome shortly.
“We want to keep working with them on this to get to a solution that suits everybody. We’re going to continue to work for the riders, and let’s see where this goes.”
Richard Kingscote stated that collectively everyone isn’t happy with the decision, adding that losing saunas was fine if jockeys kept their weight allowance. He said that 2lb was fine for maidens but wouldn’t benefit handicapped races.
Kingscote said that “Hopefully, people can open it back out, talk and figure something out.”
