Callum Shepherd warns Sunday night gatherings could put jockeys' health at risk after six races added to calendar
- Callum Shepherd teamed up with Charlie's Choice to claim the first winner on the card
- But the jockey didn't enjoy being in Wolverhampton on Sunday evening
- He does not understand why six evening meetings have been added to the calendar
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Callum Shepherd has warned that jockeys' health is at risk after riding in all weather conditions at Sunday night's opening meeting.
Shepherd worked with the first winner on the card – Charlie's Choice for trainer David Simcock – but did not enjoy being at Wolverhampton.
There will be six Sunday evening meetings, ending on March 10 at Southwell, but Shepherd does not understand why these races have been placed on the calendar – and feels the welfare of the riders is at risk.
“We don't have to be here on Sunday nights,” Shepherd said. 'Apart from perhaps the festive period, I don't think there is a great need for Sunday racing. Certainly not on Sunday evening races. You might get an extra £100 in your pocket, but I don't think it's healthy.
'I want to be able to go to football with my dad and things like that.
Jockey Callum Shepherd didn't enjoy being in Wolverhampton on Sunday evening
“If this becomes the norm, and I think it will, then you cross the bridge where there is no work-life balance anymore.”
The BHA will take a keen interest in Shepherd's comments as they have promised to gauge views from all parties on whether Sunday racing works. The next Sunday match is in Chelmsford in two weeks.