In 2025 the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) rules state that all racing body protectors must meet the safety standard EN13158:2018 and be at least Level 2. This means that the old 2009 safety standard will no longer be acceptable to wear.
Please note all Racesafe body protectors manufactured since October 2018 have been certified to the latest EN13158:2018 standard. If you have one of these, and it is in good condition, you may not need to update.
Who does the new racing update apply to?
- Everyone within racing who is required to use a body protector when riding. This includes:
- Jockeys on the racecourse
- Anyone riding under a trainer's care when mounted in a training yard or on the gallops
- Trainers are also required to periodically carry out a risk assessment regarding wearing body protectors by those who are dismounted and engaged in other potentially hazardous stable tasks.
When will these changes be introduced?
The update will be introduced on 17 October 2024, but there will be a grace period over several months before the rules come into effect to give riders and employers time to upgrade their body protectors if needed. Here are the dates that rules come into play:
- 1 February 2025 - anyone riding a horse on racecourse property (e.g. licensed jockeys riding in competition.)
- 1 June 2025 - anyone riding a horse in a licensed training yard (e.g. any person riding under a trainer's care, such as stable employees.)
What body protector do you need?
| Jockeys on the racecourse |
| Body protectors must be at least Level 2, comply with EN13158:2018 and should have evidence of quality testing, (eg. the BETA approval mark). |
| Racesafe recommends | About | Weight | RRP | Availability |
| RaceMotion2 | Designed with Jockeys and the BHA, it offers improved comfort and movement. | 540g | £295 | Now |
| Licensed training yards |
|
Body protectors must comply with EN13158:2018, have evidence of quality testing (e.g, the BETA approval mark), and be at least Level 2. However, the BHA recommends that body protectors meet the Level 3 standard. If yards choose not to use Level 3, they may be required to justify this via a risk assessment. |
| Racesafe recommends | About | Weight | RRP | Availability |
| RaceMotion3 Pro | Our lightest-ever level 3 model features our latest foam combinations in a flexible and breathable design. | 600g | £295 | Now |
| RaceMotion3 standard | Offers the highest level of protection in a comfortable and flexible design. | 720g | £270 | January 2025 |
Please refer to our guide for a full list of other Level 3 compliant models.
How to know if your kit meets the new BHA standard.
If your current body protector was purchased from Racesafe after 2018, it will meet the new BHA standard, however, it is important to remember that beyond 3-5 years, there is gradual degradation of the protective materials and you should look out for 5 signs you should replace your body protector. Our previous ProRace2.0 (discontinued) remains compliant for jackets made from October 2018 onwards.
Is there any support available for jockeys?
An IJF subsidy remains in place, covering 30%- 80% of the cost for up to two body protectors, depending on their current PRIS GRADE. Find out more in our blog about the fund.
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