The latest developments in medical and technological
research that may improve the welfare, health and safety of jockeys will be
presented at an international conference to be held at Monmouth Park this fall.
The conference, scheduled for September 15-16, is organized
by the European Racing Medical Officers Group and will be administered under
the auspices of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities.
“The impetus for this is that jockeys keep getting bigger
and bigger and they often undertake well-documented and drastic measures to
reduce,” said Denis Egan, head of the Irish Turf Club. “The result is that
these measures result in serious health issues for them later in life and we
are trying to improve their lives. There are all kinds of conferences about the
welfare of the horse that are held around the world, but this is the only one that
is for the riders.”
More than 20 nutritionists, medical doctors, researchers,
administrators, and others who specialize in this area are scheduled to present
their findings to racing industry representatives from Japan, Hong Kong,
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, European countries, Middle Eastern
nations and the United States who have committed to attend. Others from Canada
and several South American countries are expected to confirm soon.
This year’s conference is the fourth of its kind and the first
in America following the previous meetings in Japan, Turkey and Dubai. Egan
said that the agenda items include research on nutrition, concussions, trauma
protocol, race day falls, and safety equipment, plus updates from each of the
countries represented on special issues relative to the individual
jurisdiction.
“I think this is great and it is incredibly important that
the riders and other professionals in the sport keep abreast of all of the
latest information available on all of these subjects,” said Terry Meyocks, the
national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “Joe Johnston (the regional manager
representing the riders in Monmouth’s jokey colony) went to the conference in Dubai and he thought it
was outstanding. The information that will be presented, especially on getting
safer equipment whether that be helmets, vests or any of the rest, is vital not
only for jockeys but for exercise riders as well.”
Dr. Angelo Chinnici, the medical director of Monmouth Park
and the Guild and an associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Medicine
and Dentistry in New Jersey, was instrumental
in bringing the conference to Monmouth
Park and he is helping to
organize the events.
“They called and asked me to be a speaker at the conference,
which was originally scheduled for a hotel in Philadelphia,” Dr. Chinnici said.
“I suggested that they come to the track and they accepted. Darby Racing LLC
welcomes the opportunity to network with health care professionals involved in
the racing industry from around the world. This year’s conference will be
excellent. I believe that this is the first time in the history of Monmouth Park that professionals of this caliber
have been sought out for such a unique opportunity.”
The two-day conference coincides with live racing at
Monmouth so that the local jockey colony, as well as any other riders, may
attend. The Saturday morning session is restricted to jockeys, but other
sessions are open to all licensed professionals in the sport and there is no
registration fee.
“The issues being addressed benefit everyone, not only the
jockeys but their families, too,” said Meyocks, who plans to attend. “This
conference is a win-win for everyone, and that includes horsemen and the
racetracks.”