It seems to be a recent thing, over the last few seasons, I'm sure I don't recall seeing jockeys bumping on their horse's backs while they are going round in a race. I wonder if it is a bit of a "fashion" thing? So and so does it, maybe I should too. I hate to see it.
I can sort of understand in a desperate finish, but shouldn't they keep their backsides off the saddle otherwise, apart from riding into a fence?
Some do yes no matter how big or small the trainer. There have been people warned off of racing who try to get around it by having horses in other people's names but most trainers aren't daft.
As to entries and Dec's. Some owner's do it themselves as they have access to the BHA site. They just tell the trainer where the horse is going when.
Thank you Elf. As I thought some owners are "difficult". My ex-racer was soured as a 17.hh+ 3 yr old who the trainer said was not strong enough to race. Owner insisted - horse ran a total of 7 races and was pulled up in 4 of them. Owner tossed his toys out of the pram and I got a super horse for little more than meat money direct from the trainer. He is a gentle giant with a kind temperament.