It is expected that 60% of weighing room upgrades that were deemed necessary by the British Horseracing Authority will be completed by early May, once more racecourses have started their flat turf seasons.
After a Racing Post exposé last April, the BHA imposed various deadlines for important work that addresses issues such as placement of equipment, availability of hot water, damp and mold, and appropriate facilities for female jockeys.
The regulator had hoped racecourses would reach the 60% threshold prior to the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster last weekend, but further grace is being given to the tracks that have yet to stage their first flat turf meetings.
Any course that fails to meet the required standards by Dec. 31, 2027, will be unable to stage fixtures until the redevelopment of facilities is complete.
Dale Gibson, racing director for the Professional Jockeys Association, said: "I'm in no doubt that without the Racing Post's support for this hugely important project there would still be many more racecourses dragging their heels.
"At the time of the report, just 16 of the 59 British racecourses had modern, equitable changing facilities for male and female riders and a gender-neutral valet area. Twelve months later, 37 tracks will provide jockeys with modern, clean, and nondiscriminatory changing facilities when their seasons recommence."
Gibson added: "On behalf of our members I want to thank the 37 tracks that have now completed their building works. I've visited nearly all of them, and I'm delighted to report that they've done a superb job and jockeys agree.
"This has been a game-changer for female riders, but the improved facilities including better rest areas, working showers, clean and comfortable changing rooms, and decent canteens where jockeys can more easily chat to each other are making a material difference to all riders."
While the majority of upgrades have been praised by the PJA, it also shines a light on those yet to deliver.
Gibson said: "It is just a shame that going from tracks that have completed their works to those that haven't even commenced is now a real shock to the system and a reminder of how poor it remains in some places."
