Irish Flat Season 2012

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Sick practice of jockeys vomiting prompts new weight call



By John Martin

Friday September 22 2006

WALTER HALLEY, the chief medical officer at the Turf Club, has called for the minimum riding weight to be raised again. The minimum weight has just recently been increased from eight stone to 8st 4lbs on the Flat.
"My opinion at the time was that the weight should have gone up the full half-stone; and I am still seriously of the opinion that it should now go to 7lbs," says Halley who have worked with the Turf Club for 20 years.
"It is, of course, up to the Senior Stewards to make the final decision; but I have been attending racecourses in a professional capacity since 1974 and I would not want to bow out with it being said that I made insufficient effort in this respect," he emphasised.
Halley declined to discuss one recent, well-publicised, case; or, indeed, any individual instances when speaking at Listowel, yesterday.
However, he says he is shocked by the regular use of "flipping" by some jockeys.
"Flipping" simply involves eating a full meal and then inserting two fingers down the throat to cause vomiting.
"I am greatly disturbed, also, by the abuse of saunas and the frantic dieting which is part of the jockey's life," adds Halley.
"Many jockeys at riding at weights which are below their natural, medical, weight. This is leading to serious bowel problems."
For all that, Halley feels that the situation has improved thanks to the work of Adrian McGoldrick at The Curragh and Giles Warrington at Limerick University.
Halley, who stresses that the abuses are not confined to just Flat jockeys, concludes: "Education is the key and the use of dieticians and fitness experts will see further improvement."
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In fairness to Joseph, the decision to start increasing weights in Irish flat races pre-dates his arrival on the scene.
 
Now 5/1. OTB what are you on about when you say he might quit at the end of Augudt?
 
I wish another few books would price it up. I'd like to tip away at him for the first month. I can't see how he fails to be involved going into the winter Dundalk series.
 
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Yeah that was me - just plucked a random month out of thin air; point is if his weight starts becoming an issue he might not be able to keep going all season, but that otherwise as Ballydoyle #1 he should surely be shorter.
 
SlimChance said:
I wish another few books would price it up. I'd like to tip away at him for the first month. I can't see how he fails to be involved going into the winter Dundalk series.
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The winter Dundalk series is a distinct Championship - Leopardstown in October is when we will be paid out. I put it up on my tipping line this morning so that's why he's into 5's...:ninja:
 
So not the usual Nobember finish? That suits us right? I fancy a trip in October. Somewhere warm.
 
Immediate example of how the weight issue will affect JPOB: he's on neither of his dad's entries in the Park Express on Sunday, since he'd have to do 8-9 to get on a 3yo. Ryan Moore in for one of them.
 
Gareth Flynn said:
Immediate example of how the weight issue will affect JPOB: he's on neither of his dad's entries in the Park Express on Sunday, since he'd have to do 8-9 to get on a 3yo. Ryan Moore in for one of them.
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Yes, but the interesting point for anyone who took the 6s on JPO'B is that he takes all the other rides, not Moore.
 
9/2 is top price with Ladbrokes. However they stimulate that November is inclusive.
 
The form of Twirl with Maude Adams looks very weak now. Granted she beat her very easily.


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A professional punter was asked the other day what he was on for the Guineas. His answer was that he never has a bet on it because they are essentially new horses as 3yo compared to their 2yo form. While I think this view has some credence plenty would not agree with it.
 
Just going through the Racing Post Irish Flat season pullout. I'd advise anyone who has it to take note of Gavin Lynch's "Dark Dozen to keep onside". He's an ubber judge of the formbook and I'd have a lot of respect for his opinion. I'd expect him to have plent if winners in that list.
 
SlimChance said:
Just going through the Racing Post Irish Flat season pullout. I'd advise anyone who has it to take note of Gavin Lynch's "Dark Dozen to keep onside". He's an ubber judge of the formbook and I'd have a lot of respect for his opinion. I'd expect him to have plent if winners in that list.
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Missed the RP today...any chance you could list them?
 
What's your email Barry? Strange that I have your bank account number but not your email address :ninja:
 
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