The new rule restricting overweight jockeys is set to benefit punters

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

Jockey overweight set to be restricted to 3lb

PUNTERS are to be spared the annoyance of backing horses ridden by jockeys who are significantly overweight after the BHA proposed a rule change limiting overweight to 3lb.

Under the new rules, a jockey who is heavier than 3lb overweight at the time of weighing out will be replaced by a rider of similar status.

The new ruling, which was formulated by the BHA racing committee, was approved in principle by the BHA board in May.

The board has since been consulting interested parties over the precise wording and a formal decision is expected later this month, for implementation on October 1.

The new rule will apply equally to Flat and jump racing, and to professional and amateur jockeys, and will bring Britain into line with many major racing authorities, although BHA assistant racing director Richard Wayman pointed out on Wednesday that some countries apply more punitive restrictions.

He added: “We’re aiming to bring an end to the worst cases of overweight, but the limit of 3lb has been set at a level that should not create too many problems for jockeys.”

Jockeys will be replaced like for like – a claimer for a claimer, and a senior jockey for a senior jockey.

Wayman said: “It won’t be necessary to replace an apprentice with one claiming the same allowance, but we want to avoid the situation of a 7lb claimer being suddenly replaced by Ryan Moore or Kieren Fallon.

“Declaration is allowed up to 15 minutes before a race, but one would like to think that jockeys and their agents will take a responsible view, and not put owners and trainers in the position where the first time the likelihood of overweight comes to light is at the declaration stage and they have to search for a replacement at the last moment.”