Professional Jockeys Association

A selection of small adjustments have been introduced to the new whip rules, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) announced on Thursday. There has been ongoing communication between the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), senior jockeys under both codes and the BHA, and the rule adjustments are the result. "We are very grateful to the PJA and to our jockeys, both for the manner in which they continue to adapt to riding under the new rules, and their constructive engagement with the process which has helped bring about these further improvements," said...

Jack Connor was named the new Racing and Analytics Executive of The Thoroughbred Group. He was previously a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Racing Department senior analyst and a strategy manager at The Jockey Club. The position is new within The Thoroughbred Group as the organisation develops its remit to provide representation of its five members under UK racing's new industry structure--the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA), the National Association of Racing Staff (NARS), the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and the National Trainers Federation (NTF). "We are...

The bedding-in period for the new whip rules in Jumps racing has been extended by one week, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed on Friday. This follows a meeting between the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) and a selection of jockeys. The extension, requested by jockeys and the PJA, was granted on account of the number of cancelled fixtures last week due to the frozen ground. The full implementation of the new rules for Jumps racing will begin on Feb. 13. The start of the bedding-in period for Flat racing remains...

Ian McMahon has been appointed the new Professional Jockeys Association Chief Executive. His term will begin on Apr. 11, 2022. McMahon is new to the administration of racing, but has worked in the sports industry in the UK, USA and Hong Kong. Formerly a professional footballer with Oldham Athletic and Rochdale until injury curtailed his career at 21, McMahon, 57, then worked at Hull City. He later was the Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers. In the US, he was invited to become Commissioner of the Women's Soccer League. During his...

Paul Struthers will stand down from his role as chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association after 10 years in the position. His resignation comes in the wake of criticism leveled at PJA leadership after the Bryony Frost/Robbie Dunne hearing. Dale Gibson has been appointed interim chief executive. "Throughout my time at the PJA, I have been extremely fortunate to represent jockeys who I have nothing but complete admiration for," Struthers said in a statement. "In my dealings with hundreds of jockeys over the years, I have learned a huge...

Saunas will be removed from all jockeys' quarters in Britain as part of a long-term programme to modernise weighing rooms that has been developed by a cross-industry group of jockeys, racehorses and the British Horseracing Authority. Weighing room saunas have been closed as part of Covid safety measures since the onset of the pandemic, and 88% of jockeys polled support their removal. Dr. Jerry Hill, BHA chief medical adviser, said, "Saunas have been out of operation throughout the pandemic, which has presented the opportunity for a wider discussion about their...

The one-meeting per day protocol for jockeys will continue through 2022, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) confirmed on Wednesday. Initially introduced as part of measures designed to ensure racing's safe return behind closed doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the protocol has been extended after consultation with jockeys and other stakeholders. The move was approved by the BHA board and applies to jockeys under both codes to ride at only one meeting per day. Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer of the BHA, said, "Jockeys played...

A concussion in sport report was published by the UK Government on Thursday morning and the news was welcomed by the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA). In March of 2021, an inquiry into the links between sport and long-term brain injury, the implications for youth sport and funding for further scientific research was announced by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Also under consideration during the four oral evidence sessions that made up the inquiry was the role of national governing bodies and major sporting organisations. The DCMS...

Ascot Racecourse will fund the Professional Jockeys Association's Career Ending Insurance scheme for a period of one month while the PJA continues discussions with industry stakeholders to establish a sustainable long-term funding solution. The scheme pays out a capital sum should a jockey suffer a career-ending injury. The scheme was traditionally funded through commercial sponsorship but for the last two years has been paid for out of PJA reserves, assisted for the last six months by a grant from the Horserace Betting Levy Board. Jon Holmes, chairman of the PJA,...

Organisations across British racing have united to improve diversity and inclusion across the sport under a unified "Industry Commitment". The Industry Commitment, which is part of British racing's COVID-19 Recovery Plan for British racing', aims to formalise the sport's approach to diversity and inclusion and builds on the extensive existing activity already taking place, including community engagement, education activity and charitable work. This is highlighted through the Racing Together platform which has already showcased over 80 initiatives. Organisations that have signed on to the Industry Commitment are: the British Horseracing...

In conjunction with the sporting community, the British Horseracing Authority--as well as the Racecourse Association, Horsemen's Group, The Jockey Club and Professional Jockeys Association--will take part in a social media boycott beginning 9p.m. on Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 3. The action highlights the unchecked social media abuse and racism targeting sporting participants and was initially launched by English football's governing bodies last Saturday, with numerous other sport governing bodies, sponsors, partners, broadcasters and media outlets joining in. "I am grateful to everyone in the sport who takes part...

Benoit de la Sayett has returned a positive test for cocaine, the Professional Jockeys Association announced on Tuesday morning. The British Horseracing Authority has subsequently suspended De La Sayette until the end of the disciplinary process. The 18-year-old apprentice jockey to John and Thady Gosden was shown in a video on social media in late March allegedly in the presence of the drug at a party after winning the Unibet Lincoln H. at Doncaster aboard Haqeeqy (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) on Mar. 27. At that time, the PJA defended...