PJA calls for Flat jockeys' break over fear of burnout

The Professional Jockeys' Association could seek the introduction of a break for Flat riders in the next fixture list, possibly during the Cheltenham Festival, to safeguard jockeys from burnout.

The 2018 programme, published on Tuesday, included a week long break for national hunt racing after the bet365 jumps finale in April.

And with 30 new evening meetings added to next year's schedule the PJA believe a similar gap in the Flat programme early in March would benefit those Flat jockeys who have been on the go for 12 months.

2018 fixture list headlines

1,508 fixtures scheduled, an increase of 11 on the original 2017 list

910 Flat fixtures in 2018, an increase of 14

569 Flat turf fixtures in 2018, down one, with 341 all-weather meetings scheduled, an increase of 15

598 jumps meetings in 2018, down three

1,096 afternoon meetings, down 19, with 412 evening meetings, up 30

Week long break for national hunt racing after the bet365 jump finale at Sandown

PJA executive director Dale Gibson welcomed the prospect of a week's break in April, the prize-money increases promised at the grassroots level and access to an appearance money scheme in Tuesday's fixture list announcement, but warned another 30 evening meetings would put additional strain on Flat jockeys.

"There is an element that this could encourage burnout in many jockeys which can have mental health issues and put strain on their overall well-being," he said.

"This is more a concern for Flat riders than National Hunt but we would be looking in 2019 for a potential short break for Flat jockeys.

"What about having no Flat racing in Cheltenham week? We are talking about Monday to Friday. It's a suggestion that Jerry Hill [BHA chief medical adviser] brought up. He thinks it's a good idea. He is quite keen on a break."

Cheltenham week: could offer Flat jockeys some valuable restbiteCredit: Edward Whitaker

The PJA has had to scrap its annual awards night, the Lesters, this year because of the packed fixture schedule.

Gibson added: "The fixture list shouldn't revolve around the Lesters but we don't have the Lesters because there is wall-to-wall racing. On December 23 there are four fixtures this year.

"For many members the more fixtures the more chances but at the same time you have to balance the need for income and opportunities against workload and having to get up at 6am and coming back at midnight.

"If you go back in the fixture list we didn't used to have Flat racing every single day of Cheltenham week. That period or in the first two weeks of March you could have Monday to Friday off. At least the travelling staff could have five days without travelling and the jockeys can take a break.

"This has been flagged up by both our members and Jerry Hill that we should be looking at trying to incorporate a small break. It's not going to impinge on the main turf season. It's a suggestion."

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