Jockeys' mask rules relaxed for races as BHA announces latest guidelines

Jockeys will no longer be required to wear a face covering while riding in a race, the BHA has announced in its latest guidelines.

Riders are required to wear a mask before and after the race, but are now permitted to pull down the face covering in the moments prior to the start. It is still recommended that jockeys continue to wear a face covering during a race.

The guidelines also state that jockeys in starting stalls should not turn to face any neighbouring rider, and that upon completion of the race the mask should go back on before entering the horsewalk.

Hollie Doyle wears her mask after Scarlet Dragon's win in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

From there jockeys are required to wear the mask until they have finished unsaddling and are two metres away from any other personnel.

Riders are also still required to wear a face covering from the time they depart the changing area in the weighing room and when returning to the changing area.

The updated guidelines follow a review of government advice and the feedback from jockeys riding during the warm weather. The adjustments have been made with immediate effect.

The BHA has also revealed that from Wednesday international runners will be permitted to run in heritage handicaps, extending from the current rules where they are allowed only in Group and Listed races.

Horse Racing Ireland has also confirmed that British runners will be eligible to run in premier handicaps from the same day, in addition to all black-type races under both codes.

The full jumps race programme for August has also been published, with the full Flat programme for the same month due to be released in the next week.

Selected British heritage handicaps

July 5 bet365 Old Newton Cup Haydock
July 11 bet365 Bunbury Cup Newmarket
July 18 John Smith's Cup York
July 19 Marsh Cup Newbury
July 31 Golden Mile Goodwood
August 1 Stewards' Cup Goodwood
August 22 Sky Bet Ebor York
August 22 Melrose Handicap York

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets