RELEASE: Exercise and nutrition study published in international journal in major step forward for jockey athlete welfare

6 Apr 2023

A study into exercise and nutrition that helps jockeys to make weight safely is to have its findings published in an international journal.

Considered a pivotal study in jockey athlete welfare, the findings demonstrate that with the correct nutrition and exercise programme jockeys can stay hydrated and consume regular food intake whilst improving body composition and increasing metabolism.

Dr George Wilson at Liverpool John Moores University conducted the study with a five-year funding commitment from the Racing Foundation as part of their commitment to support racing’s workforce. The study has been published online in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism and will be in print later this month.

The study followed 23 male professional Great Britain-based flat jockeys, initially testing their body composition, resting metabolic rate, hydration status and dietary habits as a baseline before providing them with educational resources as part of a personalised exercise and nutritional programme.

Evidenced through annual re-testing, the jockeys significantly reduced their body fat, maintained lean muscle mass, significantly improved hydration, and significantly increased resting metabolic rate – all whilst increasing the frequency of daily meals and snacks.

Jockeys were advised to follow a high protein, high fibre, and healthy fat diet, with a focus on reducing processed and energy-dense food. They were also encouraged to eat five times per day and include a daily running exercise session to increase energy expenditure.

Thanks to continued Racing Foundation funding, all stable staff and jockeys are eligible to undertake the aforementioned assessments at Dr Wilson’s lab at Liverpool John Moore University and benefit from a tailored exercise and nutrition programme to help them safely control their body weight. The programme is supported by the Professional Jockeys Association and Chief Medical Officer at the British Horseracing Authority Dr Jerry Hill.

A number of high-profile jockeys have taken part in Dr George Wilson’s studies over the past 14 years and continue to follow his advice, including 51-year-old jockey Franny Norton who regularly rides for Mark Johnston, one of Britain’s leading trainers.

“Even though I didn’t have a weight issue, I wanted to take part in George’s study so I could perform better,” said Norton.

“If you’d asked me a few years ago I’d have said that horse racing is 10 years behind in nutrition and exercise science. But this work at LJMU, which is funded by the Racing Foundation, has fast-tracked our understanding of these issues meaning racing is starting to catch up with other sports. It’s been fantastic for us jockeys, as the weighing room mentality towards making weight is changing and jockeys are starting to understand their bodies better.

“Since I started on the programme, I have had my best years of riding – so that is proof that it works! I rode over 100 winners in a year since following the programme.

“I’m 51 now and I’m still going strong. I feel being part of Dr George Wilson’s programme has helped with more than just nutrition – it’s the mental benefits as well. I not only have more energy, and am riding better, but I also feel mentally sharp.”

Dr George Wilson said: “I am extremely proud to have this five-year study accepted for publication, as I feel the findings are so important for jockey athlete welfare.

“Importantly, this study demonstrates that jockeys can improve body composition and maintain these improvements over a five-year period for making race weight and can do so in free-living conditions where appropriate educational guidance on diet and exercise has been provided.

“Moreover, these findings may also prove beneficial to the wider sporting and non-sporting populations in helping with weight-management.

“I thoroughly hope this study now acts to accelerate the uptake of jockeys and stable staff to enrol in the LJMU jockey research program.”

“Lastly, I would personally like to thank the Racing Foundation for funding my work and therefore making this study possible, and also all the jockeys who committed their time and who adhered to the advice for the duration of this five-year study.”

Rob Hezel, Chief Executive of the Racing Foundation, said: “The Racing Foundation is proud to have funded Dr George Wilson’s study, that not only has been recognised as pivotal for jockey athlete welfare in Britain, but has now been recognised internationally.

“Culture change can take time, but the study has evidenced that with the right support jockeys are able to make and maintain their weight safely and we trust ever increasing numbers of them will do so.

“The Racing Foundation’s funding has meant Dr Wilson’s support has been free of charge for work riders and jockeys and I’d like to echo George’s sentiments about encouraging all jockeys keen to improve their physical and mental performance to visit George at LJMU and take the opportunity to have a bespoke programme developed for them.”

Notes to Editors:

Press enquiries directly to George Wilson on 07720 849919.

Any jockeys interesting in taking part in the Racing Foundation funded programme should contact Dr George Wilson on [email protected]

Link to online journal:

https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2022-0229