Physiotherapists to be available at 90 per cent of remaining fixtures this year

More than 90 per cent of remaining British fixtures this year will have physiotherapists available to riders in a bid to catch up with sports such as football and rugby.

The provision, which had previously covered 60 per cent of meetings, is part of a cross-industry effort to improve medical facilities for riders and follows grant approval by the Levy Board.

It will mean the physiotherapy team, who in conjunction with other medical staff manage acute and chronic injuries while also providing advice on the prevention of long-term problems, will be present at around 1,350 fixtures across the year. The funding has also been used to purchase additional equipment.

It is hoped the provision will continue into 2020 and beyond, with the ultimate ambition of having professional physiotherapists routinely at every fixture run under rules in Britain.

"It would be inconceivable not to have a physiotherapist present at any professional football or rugby game," said Dr Jerry Hill, the BHA's chief medical adviser.

"Thanks must go to the Levy Board for the additional funding and we hope to be able to continue the good work in 2020 maintaining professional physiotherapy support at every fixture."

The BHA devised the initiative alongside the Racecourse Association (RCA), Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).

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