'It can save lives': Brennan calls for compulsory gumshields for jump jockeys

Leading rider Paddy Brennan has called on the BHA to make it compulsory for jump jockeys to wear gumshields when riding in Britain.

Currently jockeys have the option of using a gumshield, which is used to protect a rider's teeth and mouth, but Brennan cited an unseating from Vereina at Leicester on Wednesday, in which he believed his gumshield played a vital role in allowing him to walk away safely, as just the latest evidence of the equipment's usefulness.

Brennan, who has ridden 1,225 winners in Britain, said: "I think they should be made compulsory, 100 per cent.

"I realise it's hard for people who have been riding for a long time but I'm always keen to push it. There's no reason a young rider can't wear one and they should be. If they get used to wearing one when they're coming through, then in five or ten years everyone would be.

"I feel so strongly about it because it can save lives. I'll keep talking about it until it's compulsory."

Awareness surrounding concussion in sport has been revolutionised in the last 20 years. In 2003 professional cyclists were obliged to wear helmets for the first time, while in Ireland the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) made gumshields mandatory ten years later. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has made mouthguards compulsory for all players above school level.

Dr Jerry Hill: BHA chief medical adviser is keen to do more analysisCredit: Racingfotos.com

The BHA strongly encourages riders to wear a gumshield but argues there is not enough evidence to warrant making them compulsory.

The BHA's chief medical adviser Jerry Hill said: "At the moment we can't categorically say to jockeys if they wear a gumshield and fall they'll have less chance of concussion. I encourage jockeys to wear gumshields, especially ones that are custom-made, and as long as they're properly fitted there isn't any issue with them."

What is a custom-made gumshield?

The custom-made gumshield is designed to fit the jockey's mouth, in order to give better protection. It is moulded by the shape of the jockey's teeth and this means it is better fitted to protect in the event of an impact.

Hill added: "We're in the process of commissioning a new medical records system, which will allow us to gather much more useful data and we'll be able to do more analysis. That will give us sport-specific data for racing and then we can give sensible advice."

Champion jockey Richard Johnson is one of the established riders who does not wear a mouthguard, although he would encourage his peers to wear them.

"I've never used them as I've never liked wearing them," said Johnson. "I suppose it's a case of old dog and new tricks – I didn't like it when I was playing rugby at school – but I'd always advise young jockeys to wear them. I'm a fan of people using them but I suppose I'm a little bit stuck in my ways."

Tom Scudamore: had a couple of stitches put in after his mount Ballymilan headbutted him at Wincanton on ThursdayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Tom Scudamore is another who wears a gumshield and he said: "I know a few jockeys don't but I'd always wear them on the track. I think it's down to the individual, but if they [the BHA] could find a clear link between gumshields and preventing concussion, I'm sure they'd make it compulsory. I'd always encourage someone to wear one but it's down to personal preference."

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