Why Riders Need To Eat Like Elite Athletes

The effect of nutrition on performance has been studied across disciplines

- Lucy Elder

THE impact nutrition can have on riders’ performance has been highlighted with major research into jockey health.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is pushing to change perceptions of jockeys from horsemen to elite athletes — and attitudes are also shifting in other disciplines.

Researchers at Oxford University looked at scans from 187 newly-licensed jockeys via the British Racing School (BRS) and Northern Racing College over five years. They found 30% of male Flat jockeys in the study had reduced bone density, compared to 2.5% of all men. The data also showed they had a higher body fat percentage, of around 14%, compared to athletes in other weight-related disciplines, such as boxing, where this is around 8%.

This means that while jockeys are not carrying much weight, the ratio of fat to lean muscle is less than that of the average boxer.

BHA chief medical advisor Dr Jerry Hill said the results are “significant but no surprise”.

“When athletes compete in a weight-making sport, but their schedules make it difficult to access and follow correct guidance on how to remain fit and healthy, the demands are going to take their toll on the body,” he said.