Following a submission made to The Turf Club and Horse Racing Ireland by Dr. Adrian McGoldrick, chief medical officer of the Irish Turf Club, the Irish racing authorities have decided to raise weights for flat races from 25th March.

The decision to raise the weights was made in the light of medical evidence and research which showed that there was significant dehydration, reduced bone density and inadequate nutrient intake by jockeys.

The main changes are:

• Weights in two-year-old and three year old maidens will go up by 2lbs (1Kg). Colts and geldings will now carry 9 stone 5 lbs (59.5kgs) and fillies (57kgs)
• Standard maximum weight for nurseries (two year old handicaps) will increase by 2lbs (1 kg) to 9 stone 10 lbs (61.5kgs)
• Standard maximum weight in three year old handicaps will increase by 2lbs (1 kg) to 9 stone 12 lbs (62.5kgs) for races run up to 30th June and to 10 stone (63.5kgs) for races run from 1st July
• Lowest weight in conditions and listed and group races will be increased by 2lbs (1 kg) to 9 stone (57kgs) where the weight-for-age scale and penalty structure of the race does not then cause the top weight to exceed 10 stone (63.5kgs)

Mr. Denis Egan, Chief Executive of The Turf Club and Chairman of the International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) said: “First of all, I would like to pay my tribute to Dr. Adrian McGoldrick, Dr. Giles Warrington and their research team who have been working hard on this important issue for years. These changes will bring a healthier life for jockeys and I hope other racing jurisdictions facing the same issue would follow our footsteps. The whole weights issue in racing will be one of the main issues which will be discussed at the ICHSWJ which will take place at Monmouth Park, New Jersey, USA on 15th and 16th September 2012. I would urge every racing authority to seriously consider being represented at that conference. Full details about the conference will issue in the next few weeks”.

Aki AKITANI (Deputy Secretary General)