Racing urged to raise minimum weights for the sake of jockeys' health

Minimum riding weights should be increased to improve the physical and mental health of riders, leaders of racing jurisdictions from across the world have been told.

Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board senior medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick told this week's International Federation of Horseracing Authorities annual conference in Paris that data from Ireland supported the case for there being a "significant problem with current weight structures."

"When a leading trainer such as Aidan O'Brien approaches us to request that minimum weights rise you know there is a problem," he added.