Purge of failing jockeys

RACING’S ruling body will make it tougher to become a jockey after it emerged that almost a third of apprentices never ride a winner. In announcing the ‘enhanced entry criteria’ to become a jockey, launching next month, the BHA said less than a fifth of those who attend courses to be granted an apprentice licence ride enough winners to lose their allowance. Those individuals who do not make the grade are not only a waste of training resources, according to the BHA, but a barrier to colleagues who are better equipped to become fully-fledged jockeys. The more competitive system has the support of the Professional Jockeys Association and the National Trainers Federation. An enhanced training programme for jockeys will also concentrate more on their mental and physical welfare. Applicants will be assessed before they are allowed to ride on course. Nick Rust, chief executive of the BHA, said: ‘A more efficient and extensive assessment process can help aspiring jockeys who have a genuine chance of success to receive the first-class levels of support and guidance they require.’ Paul Struthers, chief executive of the PJA, added: ‘This new, enhanced selection and delivery structure will provide our young jockeys with the necessary training which will give them the best possible chance to have successful careers and lives in and out of the saddle.’ In an industry struggling to recruit enough staff, many stables function on the back of youngsters motivated by the dream of being a jockey. A BHA spokesman said this had been taken into consideration when the changes were formulated.