BHA planning to toughen up licensing procedures for new jockeys

Aspiring jockeys will from next month undergo more rigorous licensing and training procedures if they are to make the grade, announced the British Horseracing Authority.The BHA said in a statement that all prospective applicants must pass a pre-licence assessment before being considered for a place on the main jockeys' courses for apprentices and conditionals.The existing apprentice and conditional courses will also be extended from five to 10 days "to provide attendees with detailed training on the wide variety of skills required to be a professional jockey".A BHA statement read: "As well as extensive technical and physical training, those attending will also experience enhanced sessions on nutrition, personal development and lifestyle skills as well as media training and an introduction on the structure of the racing industry."The aim of these changes is to better equip jockeys with the necessary technical skills as they progress through the early stages of their career and to meet their personal development needs."Regional continuation training will also be provided annually to all claiming jockeys.The BHA feels that "racing is spending considerable resource training individuals who may not become successful", and that "too many jockeys also mean reduced opportunities for riders who might make the grade".Industry stakeholders, including the Professional Jockeys Association, the National Trainers Federation and the Jockeys Employment and Training Scheme, have also been actively involved in the three-year consultation process which has led to the new enhancements.BHA chief executive Nick Rust said: "One of our key strategic objectives is to prioritise the welfare of our human and equine athletes and these changes show we are clearly focused on investing in and looking after our people, as well as our horses."We are fully aware of the impact these changes are likely to have on horsemen and thank trainers for their understanding."We will continue to have an open dialogue with the National Trainers Federation and their members as these changes come into effect."Trainer Seamus Mullins, who is also president of the NTF, said: "Although trainers may be slightly inconvenienced by the extra time young jockeys are away from their place of work, this will be rewarded by the improvement in riding and life skills this extra training will provide."