All saunas to be removed as Britain's weighing rooms undergo modernisation

Weighing and changing room facilities at British racecourses will be upgraded to meet new minimum standards and future-proof the sport, with the most immediate changes to be implemented by February.

A long-term programme to modernise and improve facilities has been announced following the work of a cross-industry group of jockeys, racecourses and the BHA since March this year.

Among the immediate priorities is the implementation of new key safeguarding measures by February 1, 2022, including the provision of private changing and shower facilities for jockeys, particularly for under-18s but also for any rider who wishes to use them.

The permanent closure of all racecourse saunas, which have been out of operation since Covid-19 protection measures were introduced when racing returned in June 2020, also has the same deadline, with discussions ongoing with jockey and trainer representatives about future weight structures. Riders have been supported throughout the pandemic with additional weight allowances.

The remainder of the upgrades, including additional private changing and shower facilities, shared communal rest, food provision and warm-up areas for jockeys and a new communal working space for valets, will be introduced on a phased basis before October 2024.

BHA chief operating officer Richard Wayman said: “These agreed upgrades are the product of cross-industry collaboration, with jockeys, racecourses and the BHA working together since the beginning of this year.

“The recommendations, which have been endorsed by industry leaders, will deliver substantive improvements to meet the evolving requirements of a modern weighing room environment, catering not just for today’s human athletes, but also future-proofing for the next generation.”

David Armstrong: 'This presents a significant milestone and many months of hard work'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Some courses have already started on improvement work to meet the new minimum safeguarding standards, while the Racecourse Association (RCA) is working with tracks to develop a funding proposal for the reconfiguration work.

Dale Gibson, Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) executive director for racing, welcomed both the permanent closure of saunas – 88 per cent of 190 jockeys surveyed recently voted for their removal – and the improvements to weighing room facilities, something the jockeys' body has been lobbying for some time.

Gibson said: “We have been lobbying for major improvements to facilities, particularly for our female riders, for years. Progress until now has been disappointing, but we welcome the change in approach and a lot of work has gone into the creation of this plan.

“The agreed improvements contained within it will bring all venues up to a defined minimum standard and the result will be improved facilities and a far more professional working environment for all our members."

RCA chief executive David Armstrong said: “The RCA welcomes the announcement of the long-term plan to upgrade weighing rooms across Britain’s 59 racecourses. This presents a significant milestone and many months of hard work by the PJA, RCA, BHA plus jockey and racecourse representatives.

“The initial stage of meeting all ongoing safeguarding requirements is due to be completed by February which will include the welcome removal of saunas. The outcome of this project will be the creation of significantly improved weighing and changing room facilities that are in keeping with other elite and professional sports.”

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