Ireland’s jockeys will have to cope with “big cultural change” after the decision to shut all racecourse saunas.
From May, weighroom saunas, traditionally a vital tool in allowing jockeys to lose weight, will close permanently. They have been closed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 due to infection fears.
On Monday the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) confirmed an extra 1lb will be added to the 3lb body protector safety allowance to make up for the move.
The prospect of permanently closing racecourse saunas has been a contentious issue with fears that jockeys will still sweat to lose weight, although earlier than before, at home or while travelling to the r …
- March 8, 2022
