Jeopardising jockeys, harming horses - damaging health in the racing industry

'Pro' and 'con' advocates weigh into the argument, asserting on the one hand that obesity 'poses just as many dangers', whilst on the other, 'convincing research' is quoted as finding that 'rapid weight loss' has a negative impact on both performance and health, with 'dehydration methods the most risky'. Susan Lennie and Nora Ni Fhlannagain's study found dehydration 'can cause changes in blood flow, body temperature and cardiovascular function', effects going beyond the physical to 'mood swings, poor decision-making and fatigue'. Further, 'sweating in the bath' – a dehydration method favoured by many jockeys – may cause lack of concentration which 'might lead to more accidents while riding' as well as dictating slower or lesser recovery from concussion and head injuries. To counter this, Luke Harvey (retired jockey turned BBC race commentator) says no jockeys of his acquaintance suffered any ill health through weight loss, and methods designed to shed water had no ill effects upon him during his riding career.

Historical records list not only exercise, dieting, Turkish baths and other sweating measures, but laxatives, purgatives, Epsom salts, pills and homemade remedies – with tapeworms as last resort. Although some jockeys survived without apparent detriment, others were not so fortunate. 'Severe reducing' was surmised as 'the culprit behind an epidemic of fatal lung diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis among jockeys', whilst:

'In a single day, to make weight on a horse, [jockey Sunny James] Fitsimmonds endured purgative, an entire afternoon in a Turkish bath, heavy exercise on horseback and on foot while swaddled in several sweaters and a muffler, topped off with an hour standing inches from a roaring brick kiln. He lost 13 lbs. Thick tongued and groggy; he won the race by a nose but could not repeat the weight loss performance and retired from the saddle not much later. He soon experienced the first shooting pains from the severe arthritis that would grotesquely disfigure his body. He came to believe that one terrible day of reducing may have triggered the onset of the crippling disease.'

History records psychological effects, too:

'There was the mental toll. [Former jockey and trainer Woody] Stephens described his realisation that he could no longer take the punishment of reducing as "the biggest disappointment of my life." The legendary 19th century European jockey Fred Archer understood the emotion. Falling into severe depression attributed to his taking constant doses of purgative to fight a weight problem he could not bear, he shot himself to death at age 29.'

Today, jockeys can find help online. How to Reach Ideal Jockey Weight says jockeys must 'maintain a certain weight or they'll be too heavy for their horses to carry with enough speed to win', must also 'maintain enough stamina to compete in their grueling sport', yet methods to 'stay slender' can be 'as demanding as the competition faced on the track'. Before adopting diet-and-exercise regime, visiting a doctor, and 'making an appointment' with trainer and nutritionist is advised, for:

'Jockeys are usually thin to begin with, so losing more weight for the big race can be a tricky proposition. Many jockeys binge eat and then purge to make the weight. A doctor can provide a full work up … , including blood tests to show how your organs are functioning. Let the doctor determine a safe, yet competitive weight for you.'

'The pros' (nutritionist and trainer) will 'prescribe a plan allowing you to lose weight gradually while eating the right foods', including prescription supplements 'because your overall caloric intake will be reduced'. Jockeys should ensure, with trainer and nutritionist, that they 'are getting enough food to support the number of calories [they] are burning' Then:

'Weigh yourself every day. A pound one way or the other can be the difference between winning and losing …

'Hit the sauna or steam room before the race if you need to. By sweating water weight, you can ring out the last few pounds …

'Take a water removal pill. You can buy the pills at most vitamin stores …

'Eat lightly the day before the race. You can easily shave a pound or two off since your metabolism will still be firing as it usually does with your workout routines …'