The Gentleman Magazine Issue 4 | August/September | Page 78

New Research Reinforces Need To Treat Jockeys
As Elite Athletes
• First results of two major new research projects, funded by
the Racing Foundation, British Horseracing Authority (BHA)
and universities, published
• First phase of Oxford University study into body composition
has revealed that male jockeys are 12 times more likely to have
reduced bone density than the general population
• First results from Liverpool John Moores University
study of nutrition, weight and wellbeing reveals widespread
awareness of archaic weight-making practices and a lack of
nutrition education may inhibit the development of jockey as
a professional athlete
• Changing perception of jockeys from horsemen to elite
athletes is a top priority for the BHA and racing industry
• Hard-hitting poster campaign on the importance of nutrition
and diet being rolled out in weighing rooms in the near future,
and launching #JockeyAthleteDiet social media thread
The British Hors eracing Authority (BHA) has today announced
the publication of the first phases of a number of major research
and related education projects to help understand the impact
on the physical and mental wellbeing of riders of a career in
racing.
The project has three strands, the first of which has collected
data from DEXA bone and body composition scans from
187 newly licensed jockeys via the British Racing School and
Northern Racing College over a five year period.
Results of that data show that 30% of male Flat jockeys have
reduced bone density compared to an expected 2.5% of men
from the general population of a similar age. The same data set
also show a higher body fat percentage (14%) versus athletes in
similar weight related disciplines such as boxing (8%).
The next stage of the project will now be to follow those
jockeys over a season to understand how body composition
and bone density - as well other factors such as entry level
fitness - influence time off riding from injury and success in
their careers in the longer term.
The final strand of the research has collected self-reported data
from over 250 retired jockeys to understand the consequences
of a career in horse racing on long term health, and their view
of their career as a jockey. Initial results from this are expected
later this year.
Oxford University Jockey Study Dr Jerry Hill, Chief Medical Advisor for the BHA, said: “The
results of Julia Newton and her Oxford teams’ initial research
are significant but come as no surprise. When athletes compete
in a weight-making sport but 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.
The first research project, taking place at Oxford University’s
Botnar Research Centre and funded by the Racing Foundation,
is exploring the health and musculoskeletal consequences of
a career in horse racing in both the short and long term, in
order to aid the development of ways to improve the welfare of
jockeys and ride-out stable staff during and after their racing
careers. “This research confirms our suspicions and provides us with
scientific data to help guide future developments on tackling
the issues raised, and gives us extra impetus to continue to
work with other industry bodies to support the physical and
psychological wellbeing of riders, helping them to have longer,
healthier careers and less time off injured”.
The initiatives continue the agenda being driven by the BHA’s
Chief Medical Adviser Dr Jerry Hill that jockeys are elite
athletes and should have the lifestyles, support, education and
fitness to match.
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