Please note the following update from the British Horseracing Authority regarding the status of amateur races during the period of current national restrictions which operate from today 5th November until 2nd December:
In line with UK Government guidance, only elite sport can continue during the period of national lockdown, which is due to last from 5th November to 2nd December.
Amateur Jockeys are classified by government as elite athletes when they are on a pathway to professionalism. They race according to the same criteria as apprentices following elite sport protocols.
However, amateur-only races fall outside the government’s criteria. Therefore it has been necessary to revise the amateur rider restrictions to the following races:
FLAT: 2 DECEMBER, LINGFIELD PARK: The amateur rider restriction has been removed and the race will revert to professional riders licensed for Flat Racing only.
JUMPS: 12 NOVEMBER, LUDLOW AND 14 NOVEMBER CHELTENHAM: Both races have been made pro-am races for Conditional Jockeys and Amateur Riders. Any Category “A” amateur jockey must have achieved at least 10 completed rides in point-to-points or 10 completed rides per obstacles under Rules, or a combination of the two, in order to compete.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the BHA for their support and hard work at this very challenging time.
Many thanks to all at the BHA and to supporting racecourses with the publication of an additional 6 amateur races to add to the calendar for September as follows:
We are delighted to confirm that the BHA will be introducing amateur riders’ races into the Flat programme in August. Following the devastation caused to our racing programme by COVID-19, these August races will be open to both male and female riders.
Whilst some racecourses are currently unable to accommodate amateur races, it is hoped that this programme will remain unchanged but please be aware that in these extraordinary times it may be subject to change.
We would like to put on record our gratitude to BHA Race Planning and to all supporting racecourses for their tireless work and invaluable assistance which will enable the amateur season to start at last!
It is with regret that the BHA have advised today that owing to the current Covid 19 pandemic there will be no amateur riders’ races scheduled until September 2020 at the earliest, subject to review nearer the time.
With the curtailment of the jumps season announced on Thursday, congratulations to our two newly crowned National Hunt Amateur Champion Jockeys for the 2019/20 season!
Congratulations to reigning Gentleman Champion Amateur Jockey David Maxwell who has enjoyed a great season with a total of 15 winners and retains his champion title.
Gallant in defeat is our runner-up Fergus Gillard who has kept David closely in his sights all season and looked to be closing on him in recent weeks, finishing the season with a total of 12 winners. This was a great effort and well done to them both.
Meanwhile the ladies have a new Champion with Millie Wonnacott enjoying the best season of her career so far, ending with 6 winners – a fantastic achievement.
Another lady jockey enjoying a flourishing career is the runner-up Lilly Pinchin, ending the season just one winner behind Millie on 5 wins. Many congratulations ladies!
With the season enduring so much extreme wet weather resulting in numerous lost cards, it is a brutal blow to racing to see the season come to such an abrupt halt. We are in unprecedented times and we wish everyone safety and good health whilst we get through the next few months.
The BHA announced on Thursday 2 April that jump racing in the UK has been suspended until at least 1 July. Currently working on the resumption of Flat racing “behind closed doors” from 1 May, this will allow the industry to concentrate on Flat racing without jump racing putting more pressure on medical and emergency services.
The decision was made following a proposal from the National Trainers Federation to bring clarity to both trainers and owners and minimise unnecessary expense. It was then agreed by the Racehorse Owners Association, the Professional Jockeys Association and the Racecourse Association. More NH fixtures will be scheduled later in the summer.
On the same day it was also announced in Ireland that the Irish point-to-point season has now ended.
With Tuesday’s BHA announcement that due to the current escalating coronavirus crisis, racing in the UK must cease for a minimum of 6 weeks from Wednesday, our Amateur All-Weather season has been curtailed and has now ended as at 18th March. (Three remaining races (Lingfield 23rd March, Southwell 25th March and finally Wolverhampton 28th March) are lost.)
CONGRATULATIONS must therefore go to our newly crowned Champion All-Weather Amateur Jockey Brodie Hampson who heads the table with 17 points having enjoyed 2 wins on the all-weather this season as well as 3 seconds and a third. This is the first time that Brodie has featured in the top ranking for this competitive mixed championship – a great achievement. Well done Brodie!
CONGRATULATIONS also go to our gallant runner-up Serena Brotherton on 15 points with 1 win this season as well as 5 seconds. Remarkably Serena has hardly been out of the top two positions for this championship in recent years. Well done Serena!
Let’s hope it won’t be long before our lives return to some normality and racing can resume.
