Blake holds 'long chat' with Dettori
Jockeys’ Association chief John Blake has had a “long chat” with Frankie Dettori over the issue of minimum weights.
Dettori is arguing the lowest threshold for Flat riders should be increased to stave off problems of dehydration, inadequate body fat and bone density – all of which were highlighted by a study from the University of Limerick.
The Italian rider threatened to resign his membership of the Jockeys’ Association if the issue is not addressed, but Blake hopes their discussions have been of some help.
“I spoke to Frankie and we have had a long chat about the issues,” he said.
“Frankie thought it right to make his comments and I would hope we have a better understanding now.
“The issue of weights is very much a work in progress and the Jockeys’ Association is not looking to sit back now.
“There are some seminars next week and I will be looking to use that opportunity to consult with the riders.”
Dettori is keen to provoke a public debate on the subject and wants to see a rise in the whole spectrum of weights – rather than just those at the bottom.
He told At The Races: “I decided to speak publicly in the press so that everyone can have a proper debate and a proper review.
“This is a big issue. A lot of people struggle every day and we have to put up with it and we do it but there is research in Ireland that shows if we carry on down this path, we are all going to end up really sick people at the end of our careers.
“It’s up to us to help ourselves and help the future.
“Nothing will change unless you move the whole scale up. There’s no point in raising the maidens if you don’t raise the handicaps.
“Every handicap should be 10-stone top weight and work from there.
“It’s the maximum weight that should be raised to bring the scale up altogether.”
