BHA forced into U-turn after furious backlash from jockeys over proposed additional Flat meetings

RACING chiefs have backed down after a furious backlash from Flat jockeys over proposed additional Flat meetings this weekend.

The BHA was considering staging additional all-weather fixtures on Saturday and Sunday because of the threat posed to jumps racing by freezing temperatures.

But that would have cut short an eight-day winter break for the Flat, which started on Sunday.

A text message was sent to all jockeys by the Professional Jockeys Association asking for their feedback, which jockey Callum Shepherd posted on social media.

The response was overwhelmingly negative, with jockeys and trainers angered at the prospect of having their only week off of the year ended prematurely.

So the BHA canned the idea and will instead stage a seven-race ‘jumpers bumper’ card for National Hunt horses on the all-weather at Southwell on Sunday.

Temperatures could dip as low as -4 at both Newbury and Newcastle on Saturday, while there is the risk of snow and frost at Leicester and Carlisle the following day.

Three chase races have already been abandoned at Carlisle, which will be an all hurdles card.

A BHA spokesperson said: “The BHA explored the feasibility of staging additional Flat fixtures this weekend. 

“However, having considered feedback from across the sport and the practical implications of doing so, it has been determined that these fixtures should not take place during the full Flat code break. 

“This is vital to support our participant’s welfare and protect the opportunity for them to have their break after a busy season of Flat racing. 

“Especially following what has already been a period of adding in a high volume of additional all-weather fixtures.”

There was a strong initial reaction to Shepherd’s tweet, which the BHA clearly paid attention to.

Top jockey Jason Hart said: “It shows just what the BHA think of racing’s participants. We get one week off a year – one week.”

Group 1 winner Dougie Costello added: “They should put on a jump all-weather meeting to help the jump jockeys that miss rides and income, but they won’t because bookies know the turnover is crap on those cards.”

Trainer Alice Haynes said: “Trainers have not been asked their opinions on this, but a Flat racing break should be just that.”

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