Let him eat cake: jockey Richard Kingscote drafted in as assistant chef

One challenge facing riders during the closure of British racing until at least the end of April is how to manage their weight over the course of the next month or so.

For jockey Richard Kingscote, this task has been made all the more difficult after he was recruited to act as a chef's apprentice at his wife Ashleigh's cake business, Cake Tickers.

While many businesses have been shut down as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the cake-making enterprise has been able to continue to make deliveries and one yard in Lambourn is set to receive an order this weekend.

"I'm just helping as I'm here," the Classic-winning rider said on Friday. "It's good to be able to help out with a few tasks to help to be as busy as possible, and because we can deliver locally we have been able to keep things going.

"I still let myself have a few treats where I can as it doesn't bother me that much because I've always been lucky with my weight. It's hard for a lot of people to keep their weight down and I know I have to try to behave myself however tempting it is! A few years back we also had a gym built in the garage at home so that helps to keep me active."

Kingscote has been without a source of income since racing stopped last week, a position the majority of self-employed riders have found themselves in.

A government aid scheme for the self-employed was unveiled by chancellor Rishi Sunak on Thursday, with racing bodies, including the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), welcoming the input.

Kingscote, who has been unable to ride out for Cheshire-based trainer Tom Dascombe, his main backer, admits it has been a difficult period for riders, but added: "We've been getting updates from the PJA and my accountant has said the self-employed help is there now for people if they need it.

"I would rather go as long as possible without having to get any help from the government, and hopefully when the restrictions lift a little I can get back riding out and earning a little that way too. It's certainly been a worrying time.

"I've not been able to get up to see Tom for a while but he's carrying on up there and I've told him to give me a shout when I can get up there as I'm looking forward to being back."

More coronavirus news:

Racing backs help package for the self-employed but admits challenges remain

Daily update to help racing industry personnel through the financial crisis

Whip consultation put on hold due to coronavirus outbreak

Keep up to date on the must-have news, tips, photos and more by following the Racing Post across all social channels