PJA urges for a revision in sauna regulations

The Professional Jockeys Association urges reconsideration of saunas for jockeys’ wellbeing

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and racecourses have been called upon by the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) to reevaluate their stance on saunas. In a statement released on Tuesday, the PJA highlighted the detrimental impact caused by the permanent closure of on-course sauna facilities, emphasizing that it far outweighs any perceived risk of dehydration.

Last year, both Flat and Jump jockey’s minimum riding weights were increased by 2lb after saunas were completely removed from racecourses. To compensate for this loss during the Covid-19 pandemic, a 3lb allowance was introduced. However, according to the PJA, they should have demanded solid guarantees from the BHA and others that this weight allowance would remain in force before accepting saunas’ removal.

In its statement, the PJA expressed concern about jockeys resorting to inappropriate and more hazardous methods to achieve weight loss due to lacking access to saunas. These methods include taking excessively hot baths, wearing sweat suits while driving or restricting fluid intake for extended periods. Some riders even opt for extreme measures like “flipping”.

Recognizing an urgent medical issue affecting jockey’s health – anxiety and stress linked with making weight – senior psychologists consulted by the PJA assert that new research into saunas is needed. This research aims to explore regulated use of on-course sauna facilities as part of riders’ workplace environment in order to comprehend their physical and psychological impact fully while considering how removing them has affected these athletes’ sense of control over their own well-being.

In response, the BHA maintains that their decisions regarding racecourse saunas and rider weight allowances were made based on expert medical evidence and extensive engagement with the PJA. The closure of saunas after the pandemic was also supported by the association.

The BHA’s statement reads, “Over the past year, we have worked closely with the PJA and others to develop short and long-term proposals aimed at supporting jockeys in managing their weights. At no point during this process did anyone propose saunas as a viable solution.”

Regarding reinstating saunas, the BHA argues that it is not a straightforward resolution for weight management issues faced by jockeys due to practical and economic challenges involved. Furthermore, they reiterate that scientific advice considered before removing saunas clearly indicated that acute dehydration right before competition poses significant safety risks for both horses and riders. Additionally, there has been more comprehensive research than what was mentioned in the PJA’s statement.

The BHA emphasizes its commitment to ensuring racing participants’ safety, welfare, and mental well-being while acknowledging concerns raised by jockeys. They conclude their statement by stating ongoing efforts towards finding sustainable solutions through discussions with organizations such as IJF (Injured Jockeys Fund) which include potential adjustments to weight allowances for a limited period of time until safer long-term approaches can be agreed upon.