The Jockey Club has denied that race meetings over the festive period will be affected by a shortage of jockeys.

But racing's governing body admits that the number of jump jockeys is declining.

A report claims officials fear the current crop of riders may not be able to get to all the National Hunt meetings over Christmas and New Year.

The number of jockeys has dwindled from 123 in 1995 to just 70 now.

There is no evidence that meetings are actually under threat through a shortage of jockeys Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse

And they will be riding at nine different meetings on Boxing Day and six on New Year's Day.

But the Jockey Club has moved to reassure race-goers that meetings could be under threat.

"There is no truth whatsoever in the story that racing officials are worried there will not be enough jockeys for the busy racing Christmas period," said spokesman John Maxse.

The physical demands of a jockey's lifestyle, with constant pressure to keep weight down, is believed to be partially reponsible for the reduction in numbers.

But Maxse believes it owes more to the increased use of booking agents for the best riders.

"I don't believe the reduction in the number of jump jockeys is related to size as the minimum weight in National Hunt racing, 10 stone, is still over two stone heavier than the minimum for flat racing, where the number of jockeys has remained constant," he added.

Jockeys have to make extreme sacrifices - they are the ultimate endurance athletes Jockeys Association chief Michael Caulfield

"A far more likely reason why numbers have dropped is that owners and trainers want to use the best jockeys available and the emergence of agents booking rides for jockeys has made this possible."

Last season around 10% of the total number of rides went to the top five jockeys.

Michael Caulfield, chief executive of the Jockeys Association, admitted that amateur jockeys will cover the shortage over the Christmas period.

"For the great majority of the year we have the right size 'squad' for the right number of fixtures," Caulfield told Radio Five Live.

"But traditionally, on days like Boxing Day, everyone who holds a licence has a much greater chance of getting a ride.

"There are plenty of jockeys around of the 'junior' variety coming through the ranks, either as junior professionals or amateur riders.

"People should not be put off if a Mr R White for example is riding their horse over Christmas - it does not mean they are lacking ability, they are just of the trainee variety."

Caulfield insists the achievements of the record-breaking Tony McCoy have made it harder for the rest.

"The bar has been raised and it is a very brutally demanding sport, both physically and mentally." he added.

"If you are having 300 rides a year, chances are you might have between 35 and 44 falls a year. It is quite a painful experience. You have to be very tough to cope with that."