Acute Weight Loss Patterns By Professional Horse Racing Jockeys In Preparation For Racing

Abstract

Horse racing is a weight category sport, for which jockeys must weigh in at a designated weight prior to, and immediately after each race. Current weight standards in Irish horse racing, range from 52.7 - 64 kg and 62 - 76 kg for Flat and National Hunt racing respectively. Weight allocations are based solely on the ability of the horse, requiring jockeys to constantly cycle their body mass at a specified weight allowance in order to compete. Strict and potentially dangerous weight loss practices have been previously reported to be used by jockeys in order to comply with the stipulated weight standards. The magnitude of acute weight loss typically attained by jockeys in preparation for competition would appear however, to be largely unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine typical weight loss patterns in professional horse racing jockeys. METHODS: A structured self-report questionnaire was distributed to 24 jockeys (10 Flat, 14 National Hunt) who volunteered to participate in the study. This questionnaire provided a subjective evaluation of typical body mass on racing and non racing days. Mean percentage body mass loss was extrapolated from the results. Participants also provided information as to the typical amount of time given to achieve the stipulated weight. RESULTS: Mean reported typical riding weight was shown to be 3.8 ± 2.2 % below the subjects self reported non riding weight (range: 0 - 7.9%). The largest reported mean weight loss for a race was 3 ± 1.4 kg (range: 1.4 - 7.3kg), equating to a mean percentage body mass loss of 5 ± 2 % (range: 2.3 - 10.5%). Subjects were typically given 24 - 48 hours notification of the required weight they had to attain for a particular race. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study would appear to indicate that current weight standards are set below a level which is easily attainable for this group of subjects. Furthermore extreme acute weight loss practices appeared to be evident in a number of cases. Further research is required to specifically examine the impact of typical weight loss practices used by jockeys on their physiological and cognitive function as well as health and well-being.