jockey saunas

In our first trainee blog, Harry Winnard, from the 23rd Godolphin Flying Start class (2025-2027), considers whether jockeys should once again have access to saunas at UK racecourses. A jockey running laps of the track in an outfit resembling a bin-bag is a habitual sight for racegoers in the UK. Since the removal of saunas during the COVID-19 restrictions of 2020, jockeys have increasingly relied on alternative methods to make weight. Taking approaches that in some cases may be perceived as extreme and placing a strain on both their physical...

Saunas will be removed from all jockeys' quarters in Britain as part of a long-term programme to modernise weighing rooms that has been developed by a cross-industry group of jockeys, racehorses and the British Horseracing Authority. Weighing room saunas have been closed as part of Covid safety measures since the onset of the pandemic, and 88% of jockeys polled support their removal. Dr. Jerry Hill, BHA chief medical adviser, said, "Saunas have been out of operation throughout the pandemic, which has presented the opportunity for a wider discussion about their...