Paul Struthers to leave role as Professional Jockeys Association chief executive

Paul Struthers is stepping down as chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association after close to ten years in the role, citing the toll the job had taken on his family and personal life.

The news comes 12 days after the conclusion of the disciplinary hearing involving Bryony Frost and Robbie Dunne after which the PJA's leadership was criticised for its handling of the case.

Frost said she was made to feel like "an inconvenience" by the PJA following her complaints about intimidation and threats from fellow jockey Dunne, who subsequently received an 18-month ban from the sport from an independent disciplinary panel.

In the immediate aftermath of the verdict, the PJA issued a statement which said Frost "felt" bullied, a phrase also used by PJA chairman Jon Holmes in an ITV interview, which led to headlines suggesting the jockeys' organisation had 'backed' Dunne.

Struthers subsequently agreed the organisation had been wrong to say Frost had "felt" bullied, rather than accepting that she had been.

The PJA, whose board said it had "reluctantly agreed" to Struthers' request to step down, has appointed Dale Gibson to act as interim chief executive.

Struthers said: "Throughout my time at the PJA, I have been extremely fortunate to represent jockeys who I have nothing but complete admiration for. In my dealings with hundreds of jockeys over the years, I have learned a huge amount from them and have tried to treat everyone with sincerity, respect and decency.

"Due to the relentless nature of their lives, jockeys rightly need the PJA to be available at all times and this role is a way of life, not a job. As many in racing will empathise, this has taken a significant toll on my family and personal life, and it is the right time to step aside."

Bryony Frost: 'The PJA weren't there for me and their system isn't good enough'

Struthers succeeded Kevin Darley as PJA chief executive in 2012, having previously been head of communications at the BHA.

He added: "Representing the courageous, dedicated and resilient men and women who make up our diverse membership has been the greatest privilege of my career.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my role and I am incredibly proud of what the PJA has achieved over the last ten years. This is only possible thanks to a talented, hardworking team who share a passion for the job and an incredibly supportive membership.

"Finally, I am very confident that any recommendations and improved procedures that the PJA and the sport puts in place will serve all our members well and improve their lives. They deserve nothing less."

Holmes said the organisation understood and accepted Struthers' decision.

He added: "Paul has given a decade of his life to tirelessly striving to improve the lives of our jockeys. I and the whole team here want to pay tribute to Paul and thank him for everything he has done across a decade of selfless service."

Gibson, who retired from race riding in 2009, first joined the PJA as industry liaison officer before becoming executive director for racing in 2015.

Dale Gibson: takes over as interim chief executive

Holmes said the PJA remained in "good hands" with Gibson taking over as interim CEO, while Gibson said he was pleased to accept the offer.

He added: "With support from the small, hardworking PJA team, the restructured board and advisory groups, I look forward to continuing representing professional jockeys both on and off the course, building on previous initiatives while also progressing important ongoing work within the industry.

"Under Paul's leadership, a number of improvements have been achieved, benefiting all our members. I have enjoyed working with Paul during his tenure at the PJA and on behalf of our members we send Paul and his family our very best wishes for the future."

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PJA chief accepts Bryony Frost was bullied rather than 'felt bullied'

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