Major firms have been invited to submit new designs for jockey silks in an effort to bring more money and new owners into the horse racing industry.
Traditionally, jockey silks featured solid colours and geometric designs which make it easier for punters and commentators to identify particular horses.
Punters can easily identify horses belonging to major owners such as JP McManus and Michael O’Leary by the colours carried on their horses.
Fashion and lifestyle company Joules has been granted permission to introduce a new design of bespoke jockey silk by the British Horseracing Authority following a successful trial
Unlike traditional jockey silks which feature solid geometric designs, these silks are floral
The first nine bespoke silks still had to be easily identifiable by people watching the race
Mr McManus has green and gold hoops while O’Leary’s horses are maroon with a white star and a white band on the sleeves. The Queen’s horses all carry jockeys wearing a purple and scarlet jacket with gold braiding, with a black cap.
According to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), nine companies who participated in a trial of new designs have been offered the chance to register the silks permanently.
The cash will be used for a racing charity as well as to ‘enhance ownership experience’.
According to the BHA: ‘The successful submissions feature a striking mixture of personal and corporate designs. Applicants included representatives of businesses such as lifestyle brand Joules (floral design), Oi Digital Ltd (black with orange diamond matrix) and Regulatory Finance Solutions (dark blue with a red and white stripe) who have taken the opportunity to bring their corporate branding to British racecourses.’
The BHA wants the new designs to encourage more people to enter the racing industry
New owners, especially major companies might enjoy the opportunity to see their designs being carried by the winner at Cheltenham, Ascot, Aintree or at Glorious Goodwood
Now the BHA has said it is willing to authorise more bespoke designs as long as they are not confusing and reach certain criteria.
The BHA said: ‘While the colours had to be distinguishable and describable for judges and the racing public, for the first time they did not need to conform to the usual restrictions.
‘Designs which met the required criteria could then be registered by the owners at a cost of £5,000.’
The BHA said one-fifth of the fee will go to Racing Welfare and Retraining or Racehorses.
Traditionally, silks featured geometric designs such as the one’s worn here by AP McCoy on Don’t Push It owned by JP McManus winning the Grand National in 2010 on Don’t Push It
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary is also a major owner, pictured here with War Of Attrition and jockey Conor O’Dwyer. O’Leary’s Gigginstown Stud has maroon and white silks with a star
The rest of the cash will be used to recruit new racehorse owners and bring new people into the industry.
Richard Wayman, Chief Operating Officer of the BHA, said: ‘The trial was conceived to help gauge the appetite among owners for bespoke silks. After five weeks we now understand better the sort of designs that owners would like to register and also the opportunities that the liberalisation of owners’ colours offers.
‘It’s been pleasing to see such a wide range of different owners engage with the trial and with sole owners and partnerships submitting designs, along with companies too, it highlights a broad appeal.
‘In the coming months, we will be look to build on the trial and give owners more choice both as part of the standard colours available to all owners and through a more permanent option to register premium silks.’
Tom Joule, who is one of the first people to benefit from the new rules said: ‘Horse racing is a passion of mine and, after I started my business on the Point-to-Point circuit nearly 30 years ago, Joules is now listed on the London stock exchange. Colour, print and fun has been at the heart of that story; taking a classic and giving it a unexpected twist, hopefully to make someone smile.
‘Fashion and horse racing are close to my heart and this is a wonderful way of putting my two loves together. To be able the have colours that are original and unique embodies my whole ethos; how could I resist not putting an idea forward.
‘I think it’s a marvellous move by British racing and will help broaden its appeal.’