Tylicki: earlier evening finishes can benefit riders' long-term health

Freddy Tylicki wants to put a stop to races taking place after 8pm, arguing the move could have a real impact on jockeys' long-term wellbeing.

In his latest Racing Post column the former jockey says he is struck by the fact there were six Flat meetings on Thursday and that both Wolverhampton and Newcastle were racing beyond 9pm.

"It reminded me of the many occasions when I was on the road until very late at night before having to be up in the early hours to ride out and then go racing somewhere else again the next day," says Tylicki.

While the top jockeys are in a position of being able to pick and choose to a larger degree, the chasing pack are desperate for rides and Tylicki believes this cannot continue forever.

"I recall times when I was home late, up early for work and riding again the next day on auto-pilot because I was so tired, and that is no way to be performing to the best of your ability, let alone looking after your health. I believe racing should consider a move to ensure the final race of any evening meeting is run no later than 8pm," says Tylicki.

Evening meetings could accommodate the switch by moving the start time forwards an hour and while it would create an early evening overlap, "the extra hour back could be the difference between getting home before midnight or after midnight," adds Tylicki.

The focus on mental health within the jockey community is an area that is beginning to gain more attention and Tylicki argues this could be a positive long-term change for jockeys and stable staff up and down the country.