Appeal Procedures

If a jockey is unhappy with the result of a Stewards Enquiry and/or the penalty handed down on the day, they have the ability to lodge an appeal with the BHA.

In all cases, jockeys should request a copy of the incident which will be emailed to the jockey by the Stipendiary Steward acting on the day.

The jockey then needs to contact the PJA, who will analyse the video footage in conjunction with a solicitor and make a judgement on whether or not any appeal would have merit.

If the appeal has merit and is sanctioned by the PJA, the jockey will be legally represented courtesy of the Group Legal Expenses Scheme.

If a claim against the Group Insurance Scheme is not sanctioned by the PJA then that does not prevent a jockey appealing, but they must either represent themselves or fund legal representation themselves.

Lodging Appeals

All appeals should be lodged through the PJA.

All appeals against suspensions for riding offenses need to be lodged with the BHA within 48 hours starting the day after the Stewards announced their decision. This means any suspension incurred on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday would need to be appealed by the close of play on the Monday.

Appeals against fines need to be lodged 7 days starting the day after the Stewards announced their decision.

It is not PJA policy to sanction a claim on the Group Legal Expenses Scheme for placings appeals, as that is the responsibility of the owner and trainer. However, the PJA is happy to advise on such appeals as required.

Appeal Deposits

No appeal may be lodged unless it is accompanied by a deposit. When lodging the appeal, the PJA will authorise the BHA to deduct the deposit from the jockey’s Weatherbys account.

The deposits for appealing are:

Apprentice and Conditionals

£110 – Against a fine of £500 or less
£250 – Against penalty or findings of the Stewards

Full Licensed Jockeys

£220 – Against a fine of £500 or less
£500 – Against penalty or findings of the Stewards

If the appeal is unsuccessful the deposit may be forfeited or returned as the BHA consider appropriate.

Appeals are usually heard on a Thursday, and if there has been a Bank Holiday a Friday.