Jockey Tom Marquand calls for minimum weights to be raised as sport has chance to regroup during uncertain period
CHAMPION Jockey hopeful Tom Marquand has called for the minimum weight in races to be raised for riders.
With widespread support for a new rule brought in ensuring jockeys can only ride at one meeting a day, Marquand thinks the sport could go one step further.
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As well as jockeys stopped from haring up and down motorways for one ride here and there, the 22-year-old thinks it’s time the eight stone base was raised.
It could mean an end to old and unhealthy traditions in the weighing room as jockeys fight their weight, and the death of the saunas on track which remain out of bounds due to COVID-19.
The last change was made back in 2013, with the minimum weight for Flat races increased by two pounds to eight stone.
But at a time when racing has had to adapt and change, the welfare of jockeys could be looked at more closely.
Marquand told Sun Racing: “It’s common knowledge that the publics’ average weight has gone up from what it was ten years ago, but the weights have hardly gone up at all for us.
“That’s another step where we need to review what’s going on in racing as a whole.
“We’ve had an extra 2lbs allowance from not having the saunas, and it’s just been nice not to see everyone turning up in a rush, running into the saunas.
“Everyone’s been in a different head space, it’s been great.
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“And those people who have always relied on saunas and what not, they look like different people now! I can’t see why they can’t look into it.
“It’s only relative to the other horses in the race and doesn’t affect trainers or owners, it only affects us, but in a positive way.”
Marquand has started the season in flying form, notching up 37 winners, 25 coming in a brilliant June.
The new ruling that ensures jockeys can only attend one meeting a day has clearly benefited Marquand, but he thinks the majority of the weighing room have enjoyed it too.
He added: “I’m very much of the opinion that it’s a great move so long as the eight, nine or ten race cards continue. I see no reason why that can’t happen.
“Surely that makes it easier for racecourses as they can hold less fixtures each year, saving costs and making it easier for staff.
“There’s less travel involved for riders and stable staff.
And I know trainers and owners would have noticed the difference. There’s no doubt that if you’re going to ride in the second last at say Lingfield before we bolt across to Kempton, you’re always going to have something in the back of your mind about beating the traffic, rushing and getting there in the nick of time.
“It’s taken something like this to bring it to attention, but trainers and owners are going to get better feedback and why not sit up and think how can we benefit from what’s gone on and this may be one of the things and a lesson learnt?
“For me it’s been great, but from an unselfish point of view it gives jockeys who don’t normally get a chance to ride for certain trainers just that.
“I see no reason why it’s unfair to anyone.”
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