BHA pulls no punches in jockey health campaign
Riders warned of serious dangers ‘flipping’ poses Studies highlight health issues caused by wasting
Jockeys who make themselves vomit to lose weight are to be warned it could decrease their “sexual function” in a hard-hitting new campaign launched yesterday by the British Horseracing Authority.
Riders who engage in what is known in the industry as “flipping” will also be told it “causes lasting damage to the digestive system”.
The two slogans are among six featuring the hashtag #Jockeyathletediet in posters that will be rolled out around weighing rooms as part of a concerted effort to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of riders.
The announcement of the campaign coincided with the publication of the results of two new major research projects, one of which found male jockeys were 12 times more likely to have reduced bone density than the general population. The other has been looking into jockeys’ eating habits and weight-making practices.
The campaign highlights a perception that social factors, such as support networks and racecourse food provision can significantly impact dietary practices.
Dr Jerry Hill, chief medical adviser for the BHA, said: “The campaign is one of the first visible outcomes of our nutrition research, which we hope will have a positive impact. It is intentionally hard-hitting and focuses on emotive subjects such as so-called ‘flipping’ and dehydration. Our objective is to show our jockeys that ‘there is a better way’, which will be the campaign’s strapline.”
The research was conducted at Liverpool John Moores University by Dan Martin, a member of the Professional Jockeys Association’s nutrition team.
Paul Struthers, the chief executive of the PJA, said: “The initial phase of Dan’s PHD clearly demonstrates that much more still needs to be done and his ongoing work will be hugely important in shaping that enhanced education and provision.”
In a separate study by Oxford University, bone and body composition scans of 187 jockeys over a five-year period showed 30 per cent of the males had reduced bone density compared with an expected 2.5 per cent of the general population of a similar age.
Researchers, led by Dr Julia Newton, will now follow the same jockeys over a season to understand how body composition and bone density – as well other factors such as entry-level fitness – influence time off through injury and longterm riding success.
Dr Hill said: “The results of Julia Newton and her Oxford team’s initial research are significant but come as no surprise. When athletes compete in a weight-making sport their schedules make it difficult to access and follow the correct guidance on how to remain fit and healthy, then the demands are going to take their toll on the body.
“This research confirms our suspicions and provides us with scientific data to help guide future developments on tackling the issues.”
Dr Newton, said: “These findings are really important. It is the first step in improving the health of current and future jockeys. The next step is to understand how to keep jockeys riding for longer, with less injury and greater performance. To do, this we need more young jockeys to be part of this Oxford study.”