THE AMATEUR JOCKEYS ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN
14-05-2025
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR JOCKEYS RE: CONCUSSION and HELMET BOUNTY SCHEME. Please read attached which explains the process.
The BHA concussion bounty also includes concussions sustained in Point-to-Points.
Please follow process explained on accompanying photo.
18-01-2024
Please will all jockeys note that the BHA medical form has been updated and can be found by following this link:
12-01-2024
Please will all jockeys note the updated list distributed by the BHA which gives details of current Baseline Concussion Centres.
To keep up-to-date with this list you can copy the following link for future use:
17-02-2022
British racing has today outlined plans for easing the remaining COVID-19 raceday restrictions, which would see Weighing Room testing requirements lifted by the end of February.
Under racing’s provisional timetable, agreed by the industry’s COVID-19 Group:
These changes are possible due to encouraging trends in both the national data and our own pre-raceday testing, together with anticipated government announcements on self-isolation requirements – all of which help reduce the business continuity risk to racing.
Weighing Room access will continue to be restricted to essential personnel only. Anyone testing positive for or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should not enter the Weighing Room complex until they can demonstrate evidence of a negative test.
Regular self-testing with lateral flow devices will still be encouraged for all Weighing Room personnel and raceday attendees, as will completing a full course of COVID-19 vaccinations, including the booster jab. This will help protect raceday workers and further reduce the risk of COVID-19 related disruption.
Racecourses are also advised to consider how best-practice improvements such as increased ventilation, additional personal space, and enhanced environmental hygiene can be factored into longer-term planning around changing room arrangements to protect against other respiratory infections.
Announcements from the UK and Scottish Governments on the easing of COVID rules, anticipated for early next week, are unlikely to delay racing’s proposed timetable, but the final plans will be considered in line with government publications.
Commenting on racing’s prospective timetable, BHA Chief Medical Adviser, Dr Jerry Hill, said:
“It is with cautious optimism that we are able to publish a provisional timetable for the removal of the remaining racecourse mitigations, starting with the testing requirement for Weighing Room entry.
“We are satisfied that the data continues to move in the right direction, and that with the UK Government likely to rescind the legal obligation to self-isolate, the risk of COVID-related disruption is further diminished.
“This decision is only possible thanks to the continued efforts of industry colleagues both on and off the racecourse, who have prioritised the health, wellbeing, and livelihood of others. It is through your collective efforts that we have thus far managed to avoid interruption to the racing schedule.
“We will of course continue to monitor the situation over the next few weeks. COVID has not gone away, and therefore racecourse attendees should continue to exercise the necessary vigilance: vaccination and regular testing are still highly advisable.”
07-01-2022
From Tuesday 11 January, everyone entering the Weighing Room complex on a raceday will be required to present on arrival evidence of a negative Lateral Flow Test (LFT).
As confirmed previously, the intention of racing’s industry COVID-19 Group was to introduce testing at the earliest possible opportunity, with a temporary pause agreed to enable participants to secure a supply of tests.
With reports of improvement in the supply of LFTs, regular testing will come into effect from Tuesday. We will continue to monitor the availability of tests and keep you updated as to any further adjustments to the requirements should they be necessary.
Everyone planning to attend fixtures from Tuesday 11 January should ensure that they:
The LFT should be completed on each day of racing before travelling, with Weighing Room attendees required to demonstrate the negative LFT either via the NHS App, or an NHS text message or email address confirming the result. A photograph of a test will not be accepted, nor will the actual test kit.
Any person who does not have a valid negative LFT result will be refused entry to the Weighing Room. LFT kits will not routinely be available on-site, so those planning to enter the Weighing Room are advised to complete the test before departing for the racecourse.
We would also recommend maintaining a small number of unused LFTs in your car as a contingency measure, should you or a colleague arrive at the racecourse without evidence of a negative test.
COVID-19 cases remain high across the country, with positive cases also having been identified within the racing industry and amongst Weighing Room personnel – resulting in self-isolation and absence from work.
Regular testing in racing will add a further layer of protection for our business-critical personnel and protect the health and availability of everyone in the Weighing Room. Vaccination also remains an essential part of the protection against COVID-19 and you can book an appointment here.
Thank you, as ever, for your continued efforts to keep your Weighing Room colleagues safe.
14-09-2021
Please note the following updates to the amateur programme:
27th October at Nottingham: Gentleman Jockeys only: Finale
3rd November at Nottingham: Lady Jockeys only: Finale
01-09-2021
Please refer to https://www.amateurjockeys.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Races-Sept-to-Dec-2021.pdf for the latest version of races for September through to the end of 2021. Please be prepared for further tweaks and possible additions as work continues on this.
Please note:
Additional All-Weather races:
Many thanks to all Clerks of Courses involved for their help and co-operation in accommodating these races together with the loyal support from BHA Race Planning.
22-07-2021
Will all amateur jockeys please note that the BHA have amended Rule (E) 16 to . An Amateur Jockey must present their Medical Record Book if requested by a Racecourse Medical Officer or an Official . This amendment came into force on 1st February 2021.
To amend the requirement so that Amateur Jockeys are only required to present their MRB if they sustain an injury or otherwise need to see a medical officer on a racecourse (Annex A).
Since the resumption of racing on 1st June the BHA have waived Rule (E)16 so Amateur Jockeys are not currently required to present their MRB. This was designed to limit congestion in the weighing room and documentation requiring checking and signing during the current Covid-19 situation.
All professional and amateur jockeys as well as RQC holders are on the BHA’s electronic medical record (EMR) system called Smartabase. All injuries and illnesses are documented on Smartabase and as a result the MRB is now obsolete for licensed racecourses.
Smartabase has not been introduced to the Point to Point field as yet and therefore MRBs are still required for all RQC holders.
Any time an amateur rider who also holds a RQC sees a RMO on the racecourse they must present their MRB so there is a record of that injury/illness for when they next ride at a Point to Point meeting.
Any queries please contact Kerry Kuznik, Medical Assistant and Jockey Athlete Research Co-ordinator at the BHA on 0207 152 0111 or e-mail Kerry at kkuznik@britishhorseracing.com.
22-07-2021
Please find attached the BHA’s updated list of Concussion Centres available to all jockeys.
22-03-2021
There is just under a week to go before amateur racing returns on Monday next, 29th March, in line with the easing of Government lockdown restrictions.
ALL AMATEUR RIDERS PLEASE READ AND NOTE:
In order to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus and safeguard the industry from disruption, all amateur riders are asked to continue to observe the BHA COVID-19 Protocols when returning to the racecourse. Here is a reminder – click on the link below:
Riders are also asked to keep to an absolute minimum time spent on the racecourse both in the weighing and changing rooms as well as in other infection control (Green Zone) areas.
Please do not arrive any earlier at the racecourse than necessary. If arriving early, please stay in your vehicle until it is absolutely essential to enter the weighing room. Also please remember to leave the course as soon as possible after you have finished racing.
It is really important that numbers and time spent on the racecourse is kept to a minimum in an effort to reduce risk and keep everyone safe. Please play your part!Thanks everyone and good luck!