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The Professional Jockeys Association has asked both racecourses and the British Horseracing Authority to reconsider their stance on saunas.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PJA stated the permanent closure of on-course saunas "has created physical and mental wellbeing issues for jockeys that far outweigh any perceived risk of dehydration by sauna use."

Jockeys have long used saunas to make weight, but they were prohibited during the Covid-19 pandemic and were banned permanently in 2021.

Minimum riding weights for both Flat and Jump jockeys were raised 2lb by the BHA last year and a 3lb allowance was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to compensate for the lack of saunas.

However, the PJA now says it should "have insisted on cast-iron guarantees from the BHA and others that the Covid weight allowance would remain in force before accepting the removal of saunas".

The statement goes on to add: "The PJA is in no doubt, having consulted with senior psychologists, that the most urgent medical issue threatening the health of jockeys is that of the anxiety and stress associated with the need to make weight.

"Jockeys are using a range of inappropriate and more risky methods including very hot baths, use of sweat suits whilst driving, restricting fluid intake for long periods of time, or even flipping."

"The PJA is concerned because evidence from several major research studies show that reductions in psychological agency can have profound effects on physical health, and jockeys are currently reporting a very significant rise in mental health help-seeking – a valuable service which the PJA helps provide."