WHEN it comes to the safety of everyone riding out at a licensed training establishment, up-to-date body protectors and helmets are mandatory, not optional.

This obviously applies to jockeys on and off the track, but also to stable staff, and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) has recently updated the helmet and body protector standards.

Trainers are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of all riders under their supervision. This includes ensuring that the safety gear that any rider uses meets the highest standards. If a rider gets injured and it’s found that their safety gear was sub-par or damaged, trainers could be held liable. It’s up to them to make sure the equipment is up to scratch. The IHRB can also enforce penalties if safety gear isn’t up to standard, including fines for any breaches.

What the IHRB requires:

Under Rule 148(xi)(b) of the Rules of Racing, trainers must ensure that all riders use approved safety equipment in good condition. This includes helmets, body protectors, and boots. If your riders are found using equipment that doesn’t meet these standards, you’ll be reported to the Licensing or Referrals Committee and may face a fine.

Safety equipment needs regular checks. Helmets and body protectors should be inspected often for signs of wear, damage or aging.

To check your helmet for damage, make sure to remove the inner lining. If they’re no longer in great condition, it’s time to replace them.

Newer models usually offer more protection, lowering the risk of injury.

Body protectors should be replaced if they are damaged but, regardless of their condition, it is recommended that they are replaced every five years, and helmets must be replaced after impact.

For all licensed jockeys, body protectors must now comply with certified safety standard (BS) EN 13158: 2018 Level 2 or certified safety standard EN13158: 2018 Level 3. For the purposes of race riding, the modified Level 2 version RACEMOTION 2 (Racesafe) is currently the only approved Level 2 version. These standards are also recommended for stable staff.

The 2009 Racesafe body protector has now been withdrawn and is no longer being produced. Given the age this body protector will now have reached the 2009 versions should no longer be worn by stable staff. Body protectors must also be fitted properly by trained retailers and valets at the track.

Helmets must now meet at least two international standards as outlined below.

A helmet must comply with at least one standard from Group A and at least one different standard from Group B.

Mouth guards are also mandatory for all riders in any National Hunt race (including point-to-points bumpers). They must be custom-designed and fitted by a dental professional or laboratory, be at least 4mm thick, and riders must have their mouth guard in place before the start of the race and should keep it on until pulling up.

Over-the-counter mouth guards, such as ‘boil and bite’ models, are not acceptable.

The IHRB chief medical officer may grant exemptions if a rider has dental or orthodontic issues.

All safety equipment will be regularly checked for compliance with these standards by IHRB officials at the racecourse after a fall or in a random check. Riders who do not meet these requirements will be not permitted to ride until their equipment is up to standard.