THE British Horseracing Authority has defended the planned 2lb weight rise announced on Tuesday in light of criticism from some jockeys.

Since the resumption of racing in Britain following the first Covid lockdown, jockeys had been given a 3lb allowance as a temporary measure with saunas and gyms out of action. It was announced in November that saunas would be permanently removed from the weighing room.

The BHA will introduce a 2lb rise in bottom and top weights on March 26th, replacing the 3lb allowance, although Dale Gibson, Professional Jockeys Association Interim CEO, said “some jockeys are concerned that their body weight has naturally increased during the lengthy Covid period where the 3lb allowance was utilised”.

In a statement made on Wednesday, the BHA said: “In light of comments made in relation to the 2lb riding weight increased announced yesterday, the BHA would like to clarify a few areas in relation to the policy and consultation.

“The 3lb Covid allowance was a temporary, emergency measure introduced to support jockeys when saunas and gyms were closed as an infection control measure.

“As part of the consultation regarding the potential removal of saunas, longer-term solutions were discussed to ensure that jockeys continue to be supported should saunas be removed.

“The 3lb Covid allowance has not been removed in its entirety, as has been suggested. It has been replaced by a 2lb rise in both the minimum and maximum weights in all races other than Pattern races (where weights structure will be reviewed on a race-by-race basis) and flat amateur races.

“The raising of the maximum weight in handicaps has the effect of shifting the weights up, meaning all riders will carry 2lb more than previously was the case in the vast majority of British races pre-Covid, and just 1lb less than during temporary Covid measures.

“A 3lb allowance for safety equipment, introduced following the requirement to wear a Level 2 body protector, will remain in place, as will a further 1lb allowance for all flat jockeys during the winter months to account for an extra layer of warm clothing

“The 2lb rise also brings maximum weights in line with those in Ireland.”

Last month Horse Racing Ireland approved increases to the riding weights under both codes to assist jockeys with making weight.

An interim 2lb across-the-board increase to weights in all races under both codes was agreed in June 2020 due to the closure of some racecourse facilities for jockeys.

Following evidence provided by the IHRB’s senior medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh was that this increase has proved very beneficial in terms of reducing the number of occasions when overweight is carried, with the rate reduced by 84% under both codes.

On that basis, HRI agreed that the 2lb weight increase will be retained on a permanent basis under both codes.