PJA has welcomed the increased emphasis on jockeys’ breaks

The Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) has welcomed the increased emphasis on jockeys’ breaks in the newly released 2025 fixture list.

The updated schedule includes an earlier postseason rest for Flat jockeys, starting after the November Handicap at Doncaster, creating an eight-day break with no Flat racing. This is followed by three additional days of rider-restricted meetings, extending the break to 11 days for jockeys with fewer than 30 winners from the previous year. February will also feature a five-day period of restricted races to offer a break for experienced jockeys and opportunities for emerging talent.

The retention of the extended National Hunt summer break and a slight reduction in evening fixtures are also seen as positives. However, the PJA suggests further reductions in fixtures are needed in future years.

Dale Gibson, PJA racing director, said, “The fixture list shapes the working lives of jockeys, impacting their families. The demanding schedule takes a toll. We appreciate the improvements, including the extended breaks and new scheduling elements, but caution that maintaining only minor changes annually is unsustainable and unlikely to improve the sport's fortunes.”