In the wake of France Galop's announcement on Friday that it would introduce a two kilo (4.4-pound) weight allowance for female jockeys across most of its flat and jumps races, the British Horseracing Authority has said it has no plans to immediately follow suit, but that it would watch developments in France closely.
The BHA said in a statement: “It is a source of pride that British racing is one of the few sports where females compete against males on equal terms. While there are currently no plans to look at a female jockeys' weight allowance, we have noted France Galop's announcement with great interest and we aim to speak with our partners in France to understand why they have taken these steps at this particular time, as well as to discuss the matter with the [Professional Jockeys Association] as part of our ongoing dialogue with them. We will then consider if we need to consult more widely across our sport to make sure we have the very latest views on the subject among our participants, among whom we are aware there is likely to be a wide range of views.”
“The BHA and the industry is committed to doing more to encourage and support female jockeys and to ensure they are given every opportunity to succeed at the highest level.”
The statement pointed out other developments British racing has implemented with regards to female riders.
“Our qualified BHA jockey coaches include a number of females who, in their role as a coach, can also provide specific guidance and support to female jockeys and understand their challenges. We also fully supported the recent introduction of the £100,000 'Silk Series' of races for female jockeys, for which ARC deserve great credit for such a forward-thinking initiative. It is also pleasing that in recent years we have seen as many female riders as males graduating as apprentices through the two racing schools. But there is much more to be done.”
Among those who spoke out against France Galop's announcement on Friday were retired Group 1-winning rider Hayley Turner and last year's British champion apprentice Josephine Gordon.
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