Jockeys to support Brain Injury Awareness

Photo by The Racing Biz.
On Saturday, March 7, jockeys across America, in support of the Brain Injury Association of America’s “Brain Injury Awareness” month, will wear blue arm bands emblazoned with “Brain Injury Awareness.”
“As Saturday is an important day in racing, with major stakes races across the country, it seemed a perfect time to heighten awareness of brain injuries and head trauma suffered by jockeys,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of the Jockeys’ Guild. “Just this week, a jockey died from a head injury suffered during a race. It is a critical issue that could affect not only jockeys, but exercise riders, horsemen and so many others around the racetrack who could be injured. An individual who suffers a concussion is a risk to themselves as well as their fellow riders if they are allowed to continue to ride. Additionally, they can be greatly affected later in life if they are not diagnosed accordingly or managed properly. It is our hope that the more attention we can bring to the effects of brain injuries and head trauma it will encourage the racetracks to adopt concussion protocols as part of their safety initiatives.”
“Jockeys are an integral part of racing and many are affected by head trauma. We hope this gesture on Saturday will lead the racing industry to recognize and commit to including the jockey’s health and welfare needs when implementing any safety standards,” said John Velazquez, Co-Chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild.
LATEST BUSINESS NEWS
Maryland-breds carry the day at Fasig-Tipton yearling sale
Maryland-breds accounted for about half the total sales volume at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic fall yearling sale, plus how other states fared and more.
Wanamaker’s will hold first NJ-bred sale
Wanamaker’s online horse auction site will host its first ever sale of New Jersey-breds November 16, the company announced.
Nyquist colt tops Fasig-Tipton yearling sale
A trio of Maryland-breds, including a Nyquist colt, topped the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic yearling sale which saw declines amid uncertainty.
Maryland-breds, sires prominent in Fasig-Tipton yearling sale
More than 40 percent of the hips at the October 2-3 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic fall yearling sale are Maryland-breds, and Maryland sires are also prominent.
Off to the Races Radio: Saturday lineup
Off to the Races Radio returns Saturday, September 16 with shows in Virginia and Maryland and plenty of great guests.
1/ST Racing calls for less racing, share of VLT revenue in Maryland
Saying their company is committed to Maryland the Preakness, 1/ST Racing executives today called for fewer days of live racing and a share of slots revenue.