Equestrian riders have welcomed the move to increase their safety allowance to 1lb after they “found a solution” following lengthy discussions with the UK Equestrian Authority over the controversial issue. controversy over the removal of the weight allowance.
The BHA confirmed plans on March 7 to eliminate the 3lb weight allowance and instead increase the minimum weight to 2lb, but with an additional 1lb safety allowance added to the equation. These changes will go into effect on May 2.
Jockeys now have a 3lb back protection allowance, which will increase to a 4lb general safety allowance in the revised plan.
The removal of the weight limit, first announced by the BHA in January and initially effective March 26 for the apartment jump and April 29, has left audiences frustrated and angry. in the weighing room.
It was launched after the closure of saunas on UK racetracks due to COVID-19 restrictions, but with that weight reduction option closed as well, horse racers have voiced their objections. strongly against this proposal.
Talks between the Association of Professional Equestrians and the BHA, as well as the National Coaches Federation, have been ongoing since early February with senior equestrians “expressing their desire to maintain maintain an additional allowance while accepting a general 2lb weight increase under each code”.
Following the BHA’s announcement, PJA co-chairman PJ McDonald said: “I am pleased that the BHA and NTF are ready to discuss further, we have found a solution and look forward to continuing next year.”
Jockey member David Bass and PJA president said: “Naturally, I’d like to keep the full benefit amount, as I’ve seen such a positive impact on jockey health. in further discussion, I’m glad we’ve retained a portion of the allowance along with an increase in weighting.I’m confident that the new structure provides everyone with equal opportunities while maintaining progress. recently on the welfare of horse racing players.”
Why are horse racers in favor of a minimum weight change in the UK?
The BHA says horses will continue to carry the same weights as since the COVID-19 regulations were introduced, but the weights announced in the race tag will be increased by 2lb, providing the racing public with accurate information. more about the weight the horse carries.
Work to ensure increased transparency for customers around the existence of a 4lb safety allowance is also planned.
Richard Wayman, chief executive officer of the BHA, said: “During these discussions, riders highlighted the psychological benefits that the COVID-19 allowance offers allowing them to manage natural fluctuations. about their body weight happens on a daily basis.Many people have said that maintaining at least some of this flexibility is as important to their health as any weight gain.
“However, we also recognize that the decision to apply the provisional COVID-19 allowance had a number of other consequences. ) more than the weights published in the race cards and what is recorded in the records. history,” Wayman said.
“The extra 1lb safety allowance will also give riders the flexibility to manage day-to-day variations in their body weight.”
The NTF released the following statement: “We understand that any discussion of a temporary replacement of COVID-19 benefits will be a difficult one, with glaringly different views both inside and out. our organization.
“While we believe some reflection is needed on the issues that caused the consultation here to fail the first time around, although it appears to have been fully complied with, we accept the results.” was finally achieved.”
However, trainer Chris Dwyer expressed his anxiety over the new system, saying: “This weight gain is insane. Definitely 4lb for the backrest plus the exact 2lb weight gain. it’s been like that since the saunas have. Why can’t the weights go up 6lb and not obsess by hiding 4lb?”
The Irish Horse Racing Board will also increase the rider’s safety allowance to 4lb after confirming that the weight room saunas on Irish racetracks will close permanently from the start of the month. Five.
