In the world of horse racing, a significant issue has come to light. The jockeys’ union has raised concerns about the inadequate safeguarding and discriminatory facilities faced by female members. A deadline was set by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) for all racecourses to upgrade and modernize their weighing rooms by October 2024, aiming to meet the current and future needs of jockeys of all ages and genders. This included providing additional private changing and shower facilities, communal eating areas, warm-up areas, and new communal working areas for valets.

Unveiling the Inequities in Jockeys' Facilities

Background and the Deadline

The BHA's target was a noble one, yet only 12 out of 60 courses managed to complete the required work by the original deadline. This led to an expectation that 37 racecourses would have done so by December 2027. Paul Struthers, the chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA), emphasized the long-standing issue faced by female jockeys at many courses. He stated that for far too long, they have had to tolerate subpar facilities. It is unacceptable that they still need to enter the male changing room at the majority of racecourses to do their job.

The BHA itself expressed disappointment with the pace of change, citing financial and planning challenges faced by racecourses. The Racecourse Association (RCA) added that the work would involve over £40m investment and that the timelines had been adjusted to account for these financial headwinds.

The Impact on Female Jockeys

Retired Grade One-winning jockey Lizzie Kelly vividly described the physical layout of many weighing rooms as a potential source of discomfort for young female jockeys. She compared it to the situation Emma Raducanu would face if she had to enter the men's changing room before a match at Wimbledon. This highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need for urgent action.

Brant Dunshea, the acting chief executive of the BHA, acknowledged the disappointment but also emphasized the financial constraints and competing capital investment expectations faced by the industry. He stated that the BHA is committed to working collaboratively with racecourses and the PJA to get the work done and that there are interim measures in place until the work is completed.

Examples of Progress

Leicester Racecourse was the first to meet the targets, opening its refurbished weighing room in December 2023. The PJA praised those courses that had completed their works, particularly small independent racecourses like Fakenham, Leicester, Pontefract, Ripon, and Taunton. However, it is worth noting that the Newmarket July course, which holds a major racing festival, is the only one to have met the targets so far, while Cheltenham and Aintree are among those that have not.

The BHA further explained that progress has been slowed by planning and building restrictions and the availability of useable space. Some weighing rooms are listed buildings, and others are built on or near floodplains. Nevertheless, it is clear that everyone with a stake in this project must now work together to make these upgrades a reality across the country.