Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
Male jockeys are 12 times more likely to have reduced bone density than the general population, a study by Oxford University has discovered. The details have been published today by racing’s ruling body as part of a concerted effort to improve wellbeing among riders.
A total of 187 jockeys were subjected to bone and body composition scans over a five-year period, the results showing that 30% of the males had reduced bone density compared to an expected 2.5% of the general population of a similar age. Researchers now plan to follow jockeys over the course of a season in the hope of learning how body composition and bone density influence long-term success, incidence of injury and recovery rates.
A separate study by a researcher at Liverpool John Moores University is looking into the eating habits and weight-making practices of professional jockeys. It found quite good awareness in racing of what is described as “archaic weight-making practices”, which I take to mean self-induced vomiting after meals, and the damage they cause to health. It suggests that more could be done by the support networks around jockeys to help them maintain better habits and points in particular to food provision at racecourses.
Jockeys who might still imagine they can get away with regular ‘flipping’ (throwing up their food) are the target for a hard-hitting poster campaign produced jointly by the British Horseracing Authority and the Professional Jockeys Association. The most impactful of six posters shows a toilet bowl coated in vomit under the heading: “FLIPPING CAUSES LASTING DAMAGE TO THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM”.
Another, over a picture of a man sticking his fingers into his mouth, declares: “Flipping lowers your testosterone, increasing your risk of fractures and decreasing sexual function”. Frankly, I think the last point might be the buried lede. Tell a bunch of young men they’ll be no good in bed if they carry on flipping and you’ll soon see them making a change.
The BHA’s chief medical advisor, Dr Jerry Hill, said the poster campaign would be “intentionally hard-hitting and focuses on emotive subjects such as so-called ‘flipping’ and dehydration. Our objective is to show jockeys that there is a better way.”
All jockeys can get free nutrition and fitness advice, as well as bespoke weight control programmes, at Jack Berry House in Malton and Oaksey House in Lambourn. It is excellent to see the sport paying so much attention to the subject and younger jockeys coming into racing will hopefully be wise enough to take the support they are being offered.
It was only yesterday I mentioned my interest in the new trainer Olly Murphy, formerly an assistant to Gordon Elliott, and today I find myself napping his Sky Of Stars (9.05) in the last at Uttoxeter. Rated 72 on the Flat, when with Richard Hannon and William Knight, this four-year-old has shown little in four spins over hurdles for Murphy’s mother, Anabel.
Still, the signs are already there that young Olly will be able to get more out of horses than their previous handlers. This one has had three months off and makes his handicap hurdle debut in first-time blinkers with Richard Johnson replacing Ian Popham, so there are all sorts of reasons for possible improvement. Sky Of Stars is available at 13-2.
A couple of runners at Brighton tonight take the eye. Robin’s Purse (6.45) comes from the Charlie Hills yard that is doing much better now than when she was last seen. She’s been dropped 6lb after just two handicap runs and may be able to outrun her odds of 7-1 against just four rivals, there having been three non-runners this morning.
The case for Maazel (8.45) is easy enough to see and 13-8 is fine. Roger Varian’s charge was “nearest finish” on his reappearance and should be sharper this time on just his second start since being gelded. He faces a motley, exposed bunch. Of course, it may become clear over time that he belongs in such company.
Tips for all Tuesday races
Wolverhampton
1.55 Bogsnog 2.25 Point North 2.55 Danzan 3.25 Viola Park 3.55 Bruny Island 4.25 Narjes 4.55 Glittering Jewel 5.25 Waterville Dancer
Pontefract
2.10 Collingham Park 2.40 Lightoller 3.10 Dawn Of Hope 3.40 Bamber Bridge 4.10 Precision 4.40 Edgar Allan Poe 5.10 Desert Ruler
Brighton
5.45 Sackeb 6.15 Justice Rock 6.45 Robin’s Purse 7.15 Cape Discovery 7.45 Lagertha 8.15 Bradfield Magic 8.45 Maazel (nb)
Uttoxeter
6.05 Commanche Chieftain 6.35 Skilled 7.05 Night At Tara 7.35 The Yank 8.05 Sweet Holly 8.35 Terry The Fish 9.05 Sky Of Stars (nap)
