The BHA has been slammed by leading figures for issuing a post explaining the scheduling of a one-day break in the Flat season.
Tuesday’s four cards are all jumps meetings with no Flat meetings as part of a deliberately tailored fixture list which has incorporated breaks for participants this year.
On Monday evening to draw attention to the break, Britain’s regulator issued a statement on X.
It said: “Tomorrow will see the first nationwide Flat break of the season. This is the first of three days this season where no Flat racing is scheduled.
“These breaks were agreed with industry stakeholders during the 2024 Fixture List process to help support participant wellbeing, with other measures including things like rider-restricted fixtures.
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“The Flat break follows the end of the National Hunt break and a busy winter period for riders on the Flat.”
However the notice horribly backfired among participants for whom the break will make little difference to their working commitments to a year-round sport.
Replying to jockey Callum Shepherd’s comment, “How considerate”, Newmarket trainer Robert Cowell blasted the BHA on X.
He said: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked and utterly embarrassed that this has been given consent to print. Shameful, disgraceful and disrespectful to all that work in racing if our regulators think 3 days will make it all so much better.”
Another trainer Grant Tuer said: “Agree. Flabbergasted!! Didn't even know it was happening. Not that it makes any difference, we'll still be galloping, exercising, feeding, mucking out etc.....”
Eve Johnson Houghton said: “One day is hardly a break.” And jockeys’ agent Paul Brierley chimed: “One day. The last time flat jockeys had a week off was November, next scheduled week off is 24 Nov!!
“Not sure the BHA understand the word wellbeing after days and days of winter night meets.”
A spokesperson for the BHA said: "The scheduling of three Flat break days during the 2024 Flat season was a decision taken in conjunction with and supported by the PJA and other industry stakeholders and, while not unexpected, the social media feedback provides valuable insight to us and industry stakeholders.
“The response showcases the challenges that come with any development such as this – in some cases the view is that the season has only just started and therefore there should be no break for jockeys, while others hold the view that the break should be longer.
“It is a balance to deliver these elements within the fixture list, but we always review the impact of these initiatives to support participant welfare and are therefore grateful for all engagement.”
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