A flat jockey will receive £173.54 (approximately US$234) for each ride from next Thursday, while a jump jockey will earn £235.90 (approximately US$318) per ride. In addition, the allowances given to riders if their target horse is a non-runner will increase to £86.77 (approximately US$117) on the flat and to £117.95 (approximately US$159) for jumps.
The increase, agreed by the ROA and the Professional Jockeys Association and endorsed by the British Horseracing Authority, comes after the sport’s governing body increased owner and racecourse fees by 3.9% from the start of the new year.
Louise Norman, CEO of ROA, said: “The ROA fully understands owners’ frustrations over cost increases, and we recognize that any rate increase is not welcome. However, cost pressures both within and outside of racing are a reality and these decisions are not taken lightly or in isolation.
“The agreed increase is in line with inflation and has been negotiated with the PJA at a level below the CPIH (Consumer Price Index, including owners’ housing costs). However, the ROA continues to challenge the broader cost base that owners face.”
Norman cited the reduction in contributions to the Professional Riders Insurance Scheme, which is expected to save owners £3 million over 18 months, as an example of the organisation’s efforts, and said it was also “involved in an industry-wide funding review aimed at reducing dependence on owners and creating a more sustainable, commercially driven model for British racing.”
The cost of an annual membership subscription to the ROA has also increased by 6% to £297, with Norman saying this is the result of “increasing costs associated with delivering a wide range of member benefits”.
She added: “With a new board in place and the organisation’s financial position stabilised, ROA is focusing on the owners’ key priorities: prize money, costs and the ownership experience. We will clearly set out how we plan to drive progress in all three areas in early 2026.”