Top riders Seamie Heffernan and Robbie Power have backed the newly increased minimum weight in Ireland, introduced to support riders’ health.
The minimum weight for flat ground runners will be increased by 3 lb to 119 lb, while the jump over minimum weight will be increased from 4 lb to 140 lb, effective February 1 after the meeting HRI board on December 17.
The 2lb weight gain, introduced last year when racing returned from a COVID-enforced shutdown without any sauna equipment, will be retained on a permanent basis under both code.
This means a standard weight class at a flat handicap of 142lb and a jump handicap of 1628lb.
There will be adjustments to some weight structures in jump races where the lowest riding weight is still high, including beginner chases and maiden hurdles at 166lb instead. because 168lb. Similarly, the bumper will see the horse carrying 168lb as opposed to 170lb.
Heffernan, one of the flat weight room’s most successful and senior figures, told the Racing Post: “Initially when I got into racing you could easily see that the racers in general were very small. That has changed.”
“Most current riders are tall and thin. With that in mind, I think this move definitely helps. There’s been a lot of research done on this topic and people seem to be getting taller and taller by the day.” I think this must be a positive.”
Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National Champion Robbie Power believe the weight gain will have a positive effect for some, but suggest it may not necessarily benefit all riders , especially those who are capable of performing the lowest weights.
“For the majority of guys in the weight room, this probably won’t change much. It’s a positive move, but there will also be jumpers who can do 136lb and 138lb,” Power said. to whom it can be detrimental.It will work both ways.
“It’s probably just a matter of time before this happens. The lowest weight in the UK is 140lb and at least we’ll be on par for now.”
Jockey Robbie Power
He added: “A lot of sauna use can’t be good for the heads of racers, and the less you sweat, the more stable your weight will become. I imagine some people will. It’s hard to change and they’ll have to work hard on dieting to keep their weight in check. Not having a sauna in a racecourse has to be a good thing for a number of reasons.”
Dr Jennifer Pugh, senior health official for the IHRB, raised concerns with the Multidisciplinary Jockeys Support Working Group about the growing size of the current jockey population and their weight gain practices.
The SMO cited the major physical health effects of weight gain, as well as the obvious effects on mental health, who noted that the number of overweight people has decreased by 84% since the introduction of the level. 2lb allowance.
“I very much welcome these changes to the weight structure that are so important as we continue to improve the physical and mental health of our riders,” said Pugh.
Dr. Jennifer Pugh
“I look forward to working closely with HRI through its equip division and our other supporting industry partners as we continue to improve our health and education supports to ensure healthy weight gain methods become the norm.”
She added: “I would like to thank HRI and the Jockey Support Task Force for their time and support in recent months to achieve these changes.”
HRI has also committed to looking at ways in which non-race day supports can be extended through the Jockeys Pathway program, which strives to further educate riders and provide the necessary supports to gain weight. by healthier methods.
In the UK, the minimum weight is 112 lb on the flat and 140 lb in the jump, but riders are given an extra 3 lb of protective gear and since COVID they’ve got another 3 lb due to lack of sauna. So a horse listed as carrying 126lb is actually carrying 132lb.
