PJA Members Covid-19 Update 4
This is the fourth of our regular updates, where our aim is to keep you all as informed as we possibly can during this difficult period.
General Covid-19 Updates
Government Covid 19 Public Advice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
Government Covid 19 Travel Advice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
Government Advice for Employers, Employees and Businesses: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
NHS Volunteer Responders Required: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS
Questions and Answers / Additional Information
• Where are you with plans to support jockeys financially?
As per the message sent to members via WhatsApp yesterday, the PJA Board has unanimously approved Paul’s paper that proposes a model for supporting all professional jockeys, as well as agents and valets, through the current suspension of racing. This same exercise has been performed by other industry bodies and the next phase, which has already commenced, is to pull those together in one cohesive package of support.
We know that longer term support is likely to be needed, especially given yesterday’s announcement that Jump racing is suspended until 1st July and that flat racing, when it returns, will do so on a phased basis. Everyone involved is acutely aware that the need is urgent across the sport and representatives from all parts of the industry are working all hours to finalise this collective proposal.
In the meantime, anyone facing immediate financial difficulty should continue to contact the IJF, either directly or we can put you in touch.
• When might the resumption of racing be?
The PJA, having consulted senior Jump Jockeys and our Board via conference call yesterday morning, fully supported the plan for Jump Racing to return in July. We are of course fully aware of the consequences of this and as referenced above will work with the rest of racing to mitigate the impact of this decision for our members, their valets and agents. We are aware that changes to the summer programme present new challenges for everyone involved, especially during these incredibly difficult times. We all need to be willing to adapt and work collectively for the benefit to the sport as a whole. This includes having an agreed plan for the initial resumption of racing, whenever that may be, as long as we are able to do so safely from both a national perspective and from a participants’ point of view.
We do not have a defined date for the resumption of flat racing as yet but further meetings are planned and we will work closely with other stakeholders in producing a plan to get racing back up and running as soon as possible.
We will continue to consult with our Board, our members and others (eg valets) regarding both the resumption of Flat Racing and Jump Racing to ensure your voices are heard and we will of course keep you informed with developments.
FITNESS AND NUTRITION
The IJF S&C teams and our Nutrition Teams are working hard to help keep you fit and ready for a return to racing:
IJF Weekly Race Ready circuits, on a Tuesday and Thursday can be viewed at https://youtu.be/67rD5QOKAUI and keep an eye on your WhatsApps for live classes.
Please take a look at these helpful online workouts from Danny Hague – Strength and Conditioning Coach at Jack Berry House:
Week1: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1xHLvoKUBZRkiRXqeOxytHW_FN8YSHN06/edit?usp=docslist _api&filetype=msword
Week2: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1MlqF87stW2bToX1Z_1b_xQMz54cXgig8/edit?usp=docslist_ api&filetype=msword
Our Nutrition Team have also produced a couple of updates to assist you in the coming weeks. Their advice on “Managing Nutrition” and “Shopping During Lockdown” are attached to this update. Don’t forget you can always contact them for personal advice and support – their contact numbers and Twitter handles are available below.
And finally…
With the shutdown meaning the great loss to racing of the iconic Aintree festival, the Virtual Grand National will be broadcast live by ITV on Saturday at 5pm. All Bookmaker profits will go to NHS Charities Group. If you have a virtual ride, good luck and sit tight!
The Racing Post has highlighted some excellent books on sport to read during the shutdown, they can be found at shop1@racingpost.com. We (ie Dale!) can highly recommend Monsieur X, which is a fast moving racing story set in France.
Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or if we can help in any way, and warmest wishes to you and your families.
The PJA Team – Ann, Dale, Izzy, Nigel, Paul and Vicky
Useful Contacts
Paul Struthers – 07966 590105/01264 730770, ps@thepja.co.uk
Dale Gibson – 07970 149415, dg@thepja.co.uk
Izzy Desailly – 07771 656396, id@thepja.co.uk
Vicky Lee – 01635 778108/ 07585 633400, vl@thepja.co.uk
Aodhagan Conlon, Performance Mindset Consultant – 07815 016900
Sporting Chance 24/7 Helpline – 07780 008877
Lisa Delany, JETS – 07919 417462, lisa@jets-uk.org
Phil Kinsella, JETS – 07970 673351, Phil@jets-uk.org
Oaksey House, Lambourn: 01488 674242
Jack Berry House, Malton: 01653 602090
Peter O’Sullevan House, Newmarket: 01638 662246
Nutrition Team Numbers:
Julia Scott Douglass (East/Midlands) 07768 996296
Dan Martin (North/LJMU) 07902 151916
Hannah Trotman (South) 07772 508999
Oliver Whiteman (Newmarket) 07534 080829