Riding Fee 2023

The ROA and PJA established a joint Working Party in 2022 to undertake a strategic review of key elements of jockey remuneration. A key part of this exercise was a ‘deep dive’ into income and costs with a view of identifying a simplified structure and a more sustainable model to help improve the welfare and health of jockeys, whilst ensuring they are commensurately rewarded at all levels of the sport.

In the coming months the Working Group will focus on a holistic review of jockeys’ remuneration so as to reduce the overall burden on owners. This review will include looking at all current payments made to jockeys which include; PRIS payments, agents and valet’s fees, as well as other insurances, in order that we can improve the median returns to jockeys and reduce the reliance on owners. Further details on this to follow.

In the meantime, the Working Group has proposed an increase in the Riding Fee for 2023. This uplift has been agreed by the Boards of the ROA and PJA and subsequently ratified by the BHA.

The increases detailed below will be implemented from 1 February 2023.

	Current	New
Flat	£142.90	£157.90 (plus PRIS £20.52 + CEI £3.91)
Jumps	£194.63	£214.63 (plus PRIS £27.90 + CEI £3.91)

The increase in riding fee was agreed following confirmation from the PJA that the distribution of prize money would also be aligned with that of owners and trainers. This will see a greater distribution of returns to those who are placed in their races which in turn will see a greater increase to the median income of a professional jockey. The effective date will be shared in due course, as this will be aligned to other industry-wide initiatives.

The Working Party is formed of board representatives from the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) and Professional Jockeys Association (PJA). It is co-chaired by Steven Astaire, with Simon Cox of the PJA and the ROA is represented on the Working Party by Alan Spence and Ken McGarrity.

Commenting on the increase, Steven Astaire shared “The current median annual income combined with rising costs is forcing many jockeys to leave the sport or ride overseas. It is in the best interests of all owners to ensure that there is fair and transparent remuneration for those who ride our horses, at all levels of the sport. The working group was set-up to review total remuneration and costs and to identify a longer-term solution, which will also aim to reduce the onus on owners.”

Co-chair Simon Cox added “We have established a strong relationship with the ROA working group and appreciate the ongoing cooperation on ensuring jockeys get the rewards they deserve . We also recognise that owners are under pressure and will continue to work with the group to explore possibilities to increase jockey earnings without over burdening owners.”

Yours sincerely,

ROA Jockey Renumeration Working Group