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
Junior Alvarado sounds off on hefty Derby crop fine
“Extremely ridiculous,” jockey Junior Alvarado called a $62,000 fine he received for excessive crop use aboard Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby.
New Maryland Jockey Club board named
The board of directors that will govern the new Maryland Jockey Club was chosen by the Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority Friday.
Public Works Board approves Pimlico Plus expenditures
Maryland’s Board of Public Works approved nearly $19 million in expenditures to advance the Pimlico Plus plan – but not without trepidation.
Preakness: $100,000 trainer bonus returns
For a ninth straight year, $100,000 in bonus money is on the table for trainers that run at least five horses in stakes races Preakness weekend.
April wagering handle lags 2024 number
April saw wagering handle on US races that was more than 5% below the April 2024 mark, as the industry continues to scuffle.
First horses arrive as Monmouth Park stable opens
With its 50-day meet kicking off May 10, Monmouth Park’s stable area welcomed the first horses Saturday morning.
