Horse racers have launched an assertive response to increasing the minimum weight for flat and jump races designed to improve the welfare of racers and the competitiveness of races in the UK. .
Britain’s Equestrian Authority announced on January 25 the introduction of a minimum weight increase of two pounds in flat races from eight stones to eight stones and two pounds from March 26 and beyond. from 10 stones to 10 stones and two pounds.
The increase will replace the 3-pound COVID-19 allowance that has been allowed since the race resumed in June 2020 as saunas were deemed unused during the pandemic. The move was made after lengthy consultations with trainers and jockey representatives, who agreed the price increase would be implemented following the announcement of the permanent closure of the saunas. of the racecourse last November.
Megan Nicholls, field rider and daughter of championship coach Paul Nicholls, expressed strong concern about the impact that the change, combined with the current use of racecourse saunas banned, will affect the welfare of horse racing players.
“Running horses are getting stronger and fatter, so they’re heavier, and it’s very difficult to maintain their current weight,” says Nicholls. By giving up saunas and losing weight altogether, says Nicholls. gained you two pounds, you’re not” doesn’t give us any extra two pounds.
“The association (Association of Professional Drivers) is very nice and they take care of us all the time, but unfortunately when we were in Zoom on a call with (acting chief executive officer) Dale (Gibson), he was patient. decided that they had to go and that wouldn’t happen I think it was discussed.
“In these calls, I have chosen myself, Page Fuller and Andrew Mullen as the representatives who have participated. We are three very lucky people to have been on the blue moon to sweat, so so I don’t think it’s fair that all three of us can comment on the saunas accurately or fairly on behalf of the jumpers because we don’t use them.”
Nicholls added: “Instead, there was a survey sent out and people should have submitted responses through the survey. Now I don’t believe that’s a fair discussion because it’s not. you always give your appropriate opinion on a survey, and so do I believe strongly that the decision was made before the meetings.
“If you’re going to build the jockey brand as an athlete, and you want them to have the right diet and you don’t want them to have bulimia and you want to minimize the sweating and stress on the body, , definitely have to dance In the sauna for 20 minutes or half an hour, your body will be less stressed than having to shower for an hour and a half, drive for four hours, and then over-rehydrate because you feel so thirsty more than necessary.
“I really believe that much more discussion is needed before they can put this to stone forever.”
The Racing Post understands that the survey of the sports population showed that 70% voted for the removal of the saunas with the remaining amount allowed, 4% voted for the elimination of the saunas and no allowance, with the remaining 26% choosing the saunas back and the allowance removed.
Emotional evocative of Nicholls is Richard Kingscote. Speaking to Sky Sports Racing in Lingfield, he said: “Overall, people are not very happy. The saunas have been demolished and we don’t keep our pension.
“Two pounds might help a girl, but it won’t help disabled people. It won’t help any of us. We’re back to square one. They’re giving a hand. and took it away with the other hand It’s a bit frustrating that we’re kept in the dark Everyone’s a little upset and I hope you guys can reopen.
“For two years we tried not to have a sauna because the weight was too great, now we have no sauna and no extra weight. That will only lead to young boys gaining weight. If you’re stuck with overtraining or gaining weight, there are some young men out there who will make bad decisions.”
Richard Kingscote
In a statement, Gibson noted that the changes needed “compromise from all parties”, adding: “Some horse racing players are concerned that their body weight has increased naturally. throughout the extended COVID period where three-pound allowances are used, however we will continue to closely monitor the upcoming weight structure.”
The BHA’s lead medical advisor, Dr. Jerry Hill, who will lead the work on developing a personalized minimum weight recommendation plan for runners, is no doubt closing the saunas as a way to continue. correct approach.
“The closure of the saunas on our racetracks represents an important step forward for the health of riders and the permanent elevation of minimum weights, while protecting the fitness of the racers,” he said. competitiveness by increasing maximum weight, is the correct response to that growth.”
