Jockeys 'at risk' from eating disorders

Dan Whitworth
Newsbeat reporter

Experts say it is common for jockeys to skip meals too often

Some of the country's top jockeys are putting themselves at risk of eating disorders because of the pressure to get thin to help win races.

That is according to researchers at Brunel University, who questioned 41 professional jockeys aged 19 to 54.

They say it is common for them to use saunas too much and skip meals too often - all to lose that extra bit of weight that might make all the difference during a race.

There are minimum weights in place - 7 stone 10 for flat races and 10 stone over jumps - but with so much money at stake the pressure to hit that, whatever it takes, can prove too much for some.

The same study claims jockeys who are forced to crash diet, overuse saunas and go without food before a race could be hit by depression, as well as leaving themselves open to mood swings.

Healthy dieting

But the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), who help regulate the sport, says things have improved a lot over the last five years.

There is now help for jockeys who feel under pressure, advice on healthy dieting if they do need to lose weight, and more effort to watch for jockeys who might be in trouble.

All of the jockeys Newsbeat spoke to at this year's Cheltenham Festival agree with the BHA that there is a lot of support out there for them.

But while some admit using saunas too often and skipping meals can be a regular part of racing, none of them said they know anyone with an actual eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia.

Instead they said keeping a strict watch on their weight, and slimming down when necessary, was just "part and parcel" of a sport they all love.