CONCERNS over the increasing stature of the current jockey population, and over practices used to make weight, has prompted Horse Racing Ireland to increase the minimum weights being carried in races under both codes.

When racing resumed in June 2020, an interim 2lb across-the-board increase to weights in all races was agreed, due to the closure of some racecourse facilities for jockeys.

This change saw the standard top weight in flat handicaps set at 10st 2lb and in National Hunt handicaps at 12st.

This interim measure has now been made permanent for all races, with the exception of races such as maiden hurdles, beginners’ chases and bumpers, where the lowest weights are already close to 12st.

There are further changes coming on February 1st when the minimum weight will be permanently increased from the previous pre-Covid 8st 4lb to 8st 7lb for flat races (+3lb), from 9st 10lb to 10st for National Hunt races (+4lb) and from 10st 4lb to 10st 7lb for qualified rider races (+3lb).

Evidence provided by Dr Jennifer Pugh of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board to HRI has shown that the 2lb post-Covid 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.

In addition to the weights increases, there is also a commitment from HRI to examine ways in which non-raceday supports can be expanded through the Jockeys Pathway programme to further educate jockeys and to provide the supports required to make weight using healthier and safer methods as part of the holistic approach to this area.

Jason Morris, Horse Racing Ireland’s director of racing, commented: “HRI has taken a number of recent measures which will be of assistance to the health and welfare of jockeys, including the permanent retention of 48-hour declarations - which will allow jockeys longer preparation for racing weights - , and the introduction of breaks in the season under both codes.

“The HRI Programmes Committee accepted the advice received from the Jockeys Supports Working Group to retain the 2lb increase introduced in June 2020 on a permanent basis and to go further in raising the minimum weights under both codes, noting that that these measures were supported by the Irish Jockeys Association.”