Laurel Park to honor late rider Avery Whisman * The Racing Biz

Laurel Park to honor late rider Avery Whisman

Press Release
February 15, 2023

In an effort to shed light on mental health awareness and the challenges jockeys face, 1/ST Racing and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, in coordination with racetracks across the country, will spearhead a national moment of silence Saturday, Feb. 18 in memory of late jockey Avery Whisman.

Tracks are scheduled to take part in the national moment of silence, led by 1/ST properties Laurel Park in Laurel, Md., Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. and Golden Gate Fields in Albany, Calif.

Jockeys at all participating tracks will wear black armbands in tribute to Whisman, who died suddenly Jan. 11 at the age of 23 following a prolonged struggle with the physical and mental demands placed on riders.

Laurel Park, where Whisman rode primarily in 2019-2020, will have a race named in his honor on its Feb. 18 Winter Carnival program featuring six stakes worth $900,000 in purses led by the $250,000 General George (G3) and $250,000 Barbara Fritchie (G3).

Jockeys, family and friends will gather in the Laurel winner’s circle following the race and observe the moment of silence.

Whisman’s parents, Lyman and Salli, said: “We are so very proud of our son and all he accomplished in his short life. In the future, we hope to raise awareness and empower dialogue within the racing industry around gaps in needed health and mental health support for its jockey athletes.”

Mike Rogers, acting president of the Maryland Jockey Club, said; “Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, no matter your age or profession. It’s important for individuals to prioritize and take care of their mental health, and it’s important for us to reach out to those who may show signs of needing help.”

Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of Jockeys’ Guild said; “The Jockeys’ Guild sincerely appreciates 1ST Racing bringing attention to the important issues of mental health and other health related challenges affecting jockeys. These are struggles that jockeys and the Guild have dealt with on a continual basis.”

Laurel will also distribute hats and T-shirts for a donation to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial assistance to 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Since its founding in 2006, the PDJF has disbursed nearly $11 million.

Whisman launched his career with Thoroughbreds in California, where he developed a lifetime friendship with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Between 2018 and 2022 he rode 810 races with 90 wins and more than $2.7 million in purse earnings.

In 2019, Whisman scored a stunning upset aboard 67-1 Port Louis in the Maryland Million Starter Handicap for his first stakes win. Earlier that year, he had finished second in the rider standings to Trevor McCarthy during Pimlico’s Preakness Meet with eight wins from 31 mounts.