THE Irish Jockeys Association (IJA) has welcomed news this week that there will be an extended break in June for jump jockeys who have ridden 15 winners or more in the previous year.

There is no National Hunt racing from June 19th to June 30th but even the eight jumps meetings between June 7th and June 18th will be restricted to conditional riders and riders who have not ridden more than 15 winners in the previous 12 months.

Andrew Coonan of the IJA said: “We looked for this change and, after consultation between Horse Racing Ireland, the owners and trainers, nobody demurred. It’s been positively received and we are delighted with it.”

Study

Coonan cites a recent study which showed that almost 80% of professional jockeys surveyed met the criteria for at least one mental health problem. “It’s important to recognise that riders have families and need time off. Many also need a break to let old injuries fully heal. This extended break strikes the right balance as it gives less successful or less experienced jockeys an opportunity to showcase their skills. It’s very hard for a young rider to get going here.”

Jason Morris, HRI’s director of racing, said: “These changes will apply to the eight National Hunt meetings beginning at Listowel on Monday, June 7th through to the fixture at Down Royal on Friday, June 18th. As there is no National Hunt racing from that date until the meeting at Tipperary on Thursday, July 1st, this doubles the break for our leading jump jockeys from 12 to 24 days, while at the same time increasing opportunities for other riders for the early part of that period.

“The National Hunt fixtures immediately after this week’s Punchestown Festival at Down Royal on Monday, May 3rd and at Ballinrobe the following day are already restricted to conditional riders and those that rode less than 15 winners last season. Following on from these changes, the traditional three-meeting break afforded to the leading jump jockeys in early September will be discontinued.

“These altered race conditions were proposed by the Irish Jockeys Association, and both the Association of Irish Racehorse Owners and Irish Racehorse Trainers Association are supportive of these changes.”

Jennifer Pugh, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s senior medical officer, commented: “I am delighted to see this extended break for the leading National Hunt jockeys in June which will allow them to recharge both physically and mentally. There is no ‘off season’ for jump racing and this extended period will allow for much needed recuperation. Thanks goes to all stakeholders who recognised the need for this change and for their support.”