Jockeys sick of weight problem
Irish riders report vomiting to control weight before races
MORE than half of Irish jockeys say it’s a constant struggle to achieve the right weight – and some even use vomiting to control this.
The disclosure came in research carried out by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) ahead of moves to end the availability of saunas at racecourses.
More than 80% of jockeys wanted saunas kept open but research detailed how around 10% of jockeys are “severely dehydrated” when riding.
The records also warned of profound mental health effects from the use of rapid weight loss technique including “psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and adverse alcohol use”.
Earlier this year, the IHRB confirmed the permanent closure of saunas with jockeys given an extra weight allowance to create a healthier environment.
Research carried out by the IHRB details the extreme steps some jockeys were taking to make weight for racing.
Half of them used a hot bath, around 14% used sweat suits, while 7% restricted how much they drank. Less than 20% of those surveyed said they did running or other exercise to drop weight, while three jockeys reported using “vomiting”.
The research also disclosed that more than 20% of the jockeys reported weight loss of more than 5lbs in weight in the 48 hours before race day.
Another 44% were losing between 3lbs and 4lbs pounds, 18% lost a pound or two, while just 17% of jockeys reported no problem with weight.
The research also found that despite the original closure of saunas at racecourses due to Covid-19, 45% of jockeys were continuing to use them before arriving on track.
It added: “Combined, 90% are using some form of rapid weight loss measure to manage their weight.”
Among the research’s conclusions were that jockeys had “normalised weight loss” as while 56% reported no difficulty making weight – 90% were doing something other than a sauna to make weight for racing.
The research said: “Even those losing significant amounts of weight have become habituated to this and report no difficulty in making weight.”
It said two-thirds of jockeys were losing more than 3lbs within 48 hours o f racing, which was proven to decrease performance and strength.
Recommendations of the Jockey Supports Working Group, released by Horse Racing Ireland under FOI, detailed how racing suffered from “high levels of burnout and retirement”.
Comments collected from jockeys reflected views on sauna use with one flat jockey saying: “Best way to educate younger jockeys starting is to do away with the sauna option.
“When it’s there you only rely on it and it’s a terrible place for mental health.”
A jump jockey said: “When we use the sauna at the races at least we can eat a small bit before we go racing and feel s**t for about 30 minutes while sweating instead of feeling s**t for 48 hours.”
Horse Racing Ireland said it was committed to increase nutritional education and resources to assist jockeys.
You rely on it.. terrible place for mental health
ON USE OF SAUNAS IN IHRB SURVEY