On 23rd February the team at Peter O’Sullevan House, Newmarket, carried out their first Jockey Profiling and Performance Day. The aim, for jockeys to gain perspective of their current level of fitness and strength, work on technique and understand where they can make improvements ahead of the upcoming flat season.
In the gym, a series of tests where completed to measure upper body & lower body strength, core strength, fitness plus others to get a holistic overview on each jockeys physical fitness. The team at POSH, used the force plates for the first time, this provides an exceptional level of detail to the jockeys in regards to their lower body strength. This also helps to benchmark individual athletes fitness levels in case any injuries are sustained giving the clinical team data with which to work with.
We also had sessions on offer with JETS (Jockeys Education and Training Scheme) which aims to help current and former professional jockeys with skills outside of race riding.
Jockeys spent time in discussion with our support network and Changing Minds, talking through stress management and the pressures that are felt in their careers.
Furthermore, they worked with jockey coach, Michael Hills on the simulators completing fast paced exercises testing their technique and fitness.
The day was rounded off with a social event in the evening with games including giant jenga, giant skittles, basketball and some very competitive play of ‘Wii Sports’. We were also lucky enough to enjoy food by ‘Ziggy’s Catering’, homemade (healthy) pizza and fantastic salads.
