Please note, with the adoption of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) in 2020 and implementation beginning in 2021, there have been many changes to the rules pertaining to the jockeys in the United States. 

In order to be in compliance, all jockeys who are riding in the United States, including foreign jockeys coming to ride for a particular race or races, must be registered with HISA.   Additionally, they will be required to have both a physical and a baseline concussion test annually. 

For your review, I have attached the information sheet that was initially provided at the inception of HISA.  Please note, there have been changes in two areas: the riding crop and the required continuing education.  In addition to an approved cylinder riding crop, as of August 2023, jockeys are also permitted to use the approved Pro-Cush cushioned riding crop.  With regards to the required continuing education, jockeys will be required to complete approved continuing education each year as opposed to 2 hours per each meet.

At this time, racetracks located in Louisiana, Texas, and West Virginia are not under the jurisdiction of HISA, pending the outcome of current legal proceeding.  Until further notice, each state commission maintains the authority with the rules and regulations in those jurisdictions.

1.     Please describe how the jockeys are paid in your country.  If appropriate, please provide the monetary amount for compensation or the percentage for riding fees, as well as the percentage of the purse distribution.  Of these fees, please advise how much, if any, each rider contributes to benefits and/or the jockey association.

In the United States, jockeys receive 10% of winner’s share, 5% of second, 5% of third, many jurisdictions provide for a fourth place finish and a losing fee is given to the other horses.  Losing mounts vary in different jurisdictions (state to state), and range anywhere from $50 (AUD $_73__) to approximately $125 (AUD $_183___), with the exception of California, in which the losing mount fee where the minimum is approximately $145 (AUD $_212____) up to approximately $262 (AUD $_383____) depending on the size of the purse in the races with purses over $100,000.  With that being said, the average losing mount fee across the country, as of 2024, is approximately $90 (AUD $_132____).  The minimum losing mount fees are typically negotiated with the horseman’s organizations at the respective racetrack, and are either by agreement, or adopted by the Commission in the jurisdiction through legislation.  Riding fees are collected by the racecourse and paid directly to the jockeys on a weekly basis through the horsemen’s bookkeeper.  Purse distributions can vary as well, but, with the exception of a few states such as New York and Maryland, the normal purse distribution is 60%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%.  Most all jockeys in the United States have agents which receive between 20%-30% of the jockeys’ fees.  They also have valets that care for their equipment, most of which get paid 5%-10%. 

It is not mandatory to join Jockeys’ Guild, Inc., the association that represents the majority of jockeys in the US.  Members of the organization pay $100 (AUD $138) annual dues, along with a per mount fee in exchange for benefits such as life insurance, AD&D insurance, temporary disability benefits, and representation. The per mount contribution is capped at 1,000 mounts and is either $4 (AUD $5.50) or $5 (AUD $6.90) depending on the racetrack in which the jockey is riding.  The difference is due to the fact there has been an increase in the losing mount fees and the jockeys are receiving additional benefits through the industry partnerships that the Guild has with certain racetracks.

2.     Please advise if your country provides socialized medicine.    If not, please describe the health care that is provided to riders and who contributes to the cost of such expense.

The United States does not have socialized medicine.  Jockeys are responsible for providing their own health insurance.  However, in order to assist the jockeys in obtaining health insurance, the Jockeys’ Guild, through Industry Partnership Agreements with contributing racing associations, has created a supplemental reimbursement program for qualifying jockeys.   Additionally, certain states have adopted legislation to assist jockeys in paying for personal health insurance.  Unfortunately, not all tracks contribute to the Jockeys’ Guild and only a limited number of states (California, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as Massachusetts, which provides $65,000 annually to be used for Health and Welfare) have legislation providing health insurance benefits for the jockeys.

3.     Please advise if jockeys are covered under a workers’ compensation program or something similar in the event of an accident in your country.  If not, who is responsible for the cost of care for the injured jockey?

In the United States, jockeys are covered under a workers’ compensation plan in only four (4) states, which are California, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.  In the remaining jurisdictions, jockeys are treated as independent contractors and are provided coverage by the race tracks under the “on-track” accident policies.  HISA Rule 2193 Insurance, racetracks shall maintain a minimum of standard of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per incident worth of accident medical expense coverage for all jockeys.  The coverage under those policies is limited to accidents occurring during race time and training and does not offer the equivalent benefits to workers’ compensations. There is a substantial difference in the accident coverage for jockeys in the worker’ compensation and nonworkers’ compensation states. 

The medical coverage appears similar in workers’ compensation and nonworkers’ compensation plans.  However, benefits under workers’ compensation are not capped like they are under the on-track accident policies.  Workers’ Compensation will provide full medical coverage, or in the alternative provide the jockey with a settlement, whereas the on-track accident policies provide coverage for 2 to 3 years depending on the policy. 

In general, workers’ compensation benefits are more generous than the on-track accident policies. During the time of disability in a nonworkers’ compensation state, the rider will receive approximately $200 per week as income. This benefit is limited to 104 weeks, whereas a rider with permanent total injury in a workers’ compensation state would receive benefits for life, or in the alternative, may accept a lump sum settlement. In the workers’ compensation states all benefits would be tax free.

In addition to the benefits provided by either the workers’ compensation or the on-track accident policy, jockeys who are a member of the Guild, are entitled to receive up to $250 for the first eight (8) weeks they are unable to ride due to an on-track accident.  For the remaining time that a member is receiving temporary disability, he/she is eligible to receive up to $200 per week, not to exceed 104 weeks total.    

Aside from the medical coverage (typically is only up to $1 million and, as previously indicated, is limited to 2-3 years) under the on-track accident policies, the only way a rider can become whole in the absence of workers’ compensation, is to attempt to obtain full compensation for their losses under common law rules of negligence liability. However, for the injured worker to receive compensation under negligence liability rules, he or she must show that the employer was negligent (failed to exercise due care). Whereas a rider who has accepted coverage under workers’ compensation in the jurisdictions providing such, and has signed the waiver prior to any accidents, does not have the right to sue for a workplace accident under negligence liability unless they can show willful intent to injure on the part of the employer.

In the workers’ compensation states of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and California, the tracks also purchase a catastrophic accident policy for death and permanent total disability. The payouts in the policy depend on whether the jockey signs a “waiver” to not sue under negligence liability. Without the signed waiver the maximum payout is $100,000. With the signed waiver, the maximum payout ranges from approximately $399,000 to $1.6 million, depending on the level of injury and the earnings in prior years. These payouts would be added to the mandatory benefits stipulated in workers’ compensation law in those states.

4.               Please advise if foreign riders are covered if they are injured in your country.  If so, who provides the insurance for foreign riders when they come to ride?  How long is the coverage? Does it only cover medical care received in your country or does it also cover care once they have returned home?

Foreign riders are provided coverage and benefits under the same policies as local riders, whether it is workers’ compensation or the on-track accident policy, depending on the track where the incident occurs.  However, we have been advised that the benefits are restricted to the borders of the United States.  Additionally, if they are not a member of the Jockeys’ Guild, they would not be eligible for our membership benefits.  Please see the response to 3. 

5.     Please provide all sources of funding for your jockey association.

The Jockeys’ Guild is funded by two sources.  Racing associations contribute to the Guild through the Industry Partnership Agreements in which the racetrack provides fee for the number of days of racing and an amount per starter at its racetrack. A portion of those funds received are restricted based on the agreements that we have with the racetracks and the funds must be used accordingly.   Additionally, our members contribute, through $100 annual dues and $4 or $5 per mount, which is capped at 1,000 mounts.  

6.     Please advise if it is mandatory for jockeys to be a member of your organization.

Participation in the Jockeys’ Guild is entirely voluntary. 

7.     Please provide all sources of funding for the jockey benefits that your members receive, including contributions from the jockeys, the owners, your association, the government and racing bodies, etc.

With regards to the benefits that are provided by the Guild to its members, please see the response to No. 5.

With regards to the on-track accident policies that are provided in the non-workers’ compensation states, with the exception of two jurisdictions, the racing associations provide the funding for the policies.  In the workers’ compensation states, the racing associations provide a catastrophic insurance policy.

There are various additional benefits that qualifying jockeys may receive, including the follows:

·       California Workers’ Compensation Plan: California horse industry's workers' compensation program fund provides coverage, including the on-going medical care for on-track related injuries, for jockeys and backside workers.  The funding is provided by trainers, through a per-stall fee (typically passed along to the owners as a part of the trainer’s day rate) and race per start fees paid by the owners.

·       California Jockeys’ Health Insurance Plan:  Unclaimed refunds shall be distributed to the organization that is responsible for negotiating purse agreements, satellite wagering agreements, and all other business agreements on behalf of the horsemen participating in the racing meeting for the purpose of negotiating, in good faith, an agreement of at least three years’ duration with a jockeys’ organization to provide health and welfare benefits to California licensed jockeys, former California licensed jockeys, and their dependents if those persons contribute to the plan and do not receive welfare benefits pursuant to Section 19613.  The jockeys contribute a certain amount per mount to the plan for the health insurance. 

·       California Jockeys’ Pension Plan:  Based on legislation, approximately $1 million per year will be provided from ADW to establish a pension plan for qualifying California jockeys.  All licensed California jockeys are eligible to participate in the plan.  Several million dollars have already accumulated in the pension plan, which will be allocated to an individual account for each eligible jockey.  A contribution will be made for every race that a jockey rides.

·       New York Workers’ Compensation Plan:  The Jockeys Injury Compensation fund provides workers compensation coverage, including the on-going medical care for on-track related injuries, for both jockeys and exercise riders.  The funding is provided by the owners, through deduction from purses, and by trainers, through a per-stall fee (typically passed along to the owners as a part of the trainer’s day rate.)

·       New York Jockeys’ Health Insurance Plan:  The Health Insurance for qualifying jockeys is funded through the deposit of one and one-half percent of the gross purse enhancement amount from video lottery gaming at NYRA and Finger Lakes Race Track.

·       New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Plan. provides workers compensation coverage, including the on-going medical care for on-track related injuries, for “Horse Racing Industry Employees” including “jockeys, jockey apprentice, [or] driver, exercise rider, or stable employee engaged in performing services for which they are licensed for an owner or thoroughbred trainer in connection with the racing of a horse in New Jersey.” 

·       New Jersey Jockeys’ Health Insurance Plan:  Breakage moneys and outstanding pari-mutuel ticket moneys resulting from wagering at the off-track wagering facility or through the account wagering system on races conducted by the out-of-state track shall be distributed as follows:  $150,000 annually to Jockey’s Health and Welfare.

·       Maryland Workers’ Compensation Plan:  The Fund secures workmen's compensation insurance coverage, on a blanket basis, for jockeys licensed by the Maryland Racing Commission to ride thoroughbred horses. The premiums are paid by an assessment levied on every licensed thoroughbred owner and trainer.

·       Delaware Jockeys’ Health Insurance Plan:  Delaware Jockey’s Health and Welfare Fund – Senate Bill 338 established the Delaware Jockey’s Health and Welfare Benefit Board to oversee annual payments of $350,000.00 for use towards insurance for the Jockeys that are eligible for enrollment in the Delaware Plan. The Board will pay from the Fund for health coverage for active jockeys who regularly ride in Delaware, eligible retired jockeys and disabled Delaware jockeys.

·       Pennsylvania Jockeys’ Health Insurance Plan:  $250,000 shall be paid annually by the horsemen’s organization to the thoroughbred jockeys or standardbred drivers’ organization at the racetrack, at which the licensed racing entity operates, for health insurance, life insurance or other benefits to active and disabled thoroughbred jockeys or standardbred drivers in accordance with the rules and eligibility requirements of that organization.

8.     Please provide a description of all benefits provided to the jockeys who are members of your organization such as disability benefits including temporary or permanent disabilities, death benefits, pension plans, medical insurance and coverage, etc.

The following benefits are provided to qualifying members, in good standing:

·       Life Insurance.  24/7 coverage

·       Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.  24/7 coverage

·       Temporary Disability Benefits.  $250/wk for the first 8 weeks, then $200/wk. for the remaining 96 weeks.  Total benefit period not to exceed 104 weeks.  Injury must have occurred on track.

·       Health Insurance Reimbursement.  Members riding enough mounts at tracks that contribute to the Jockeys’ Guild shall qualify for funds to assist with payment of health insurance and/or medical expenses. 

·       Negotiation of riding fees and representation with the racing authorities in all matters affecting Jockeys.

·       Permanently Disabled Member Benefits.

·       Members have the option to participate in a self-funded retirement plan 

9.     Please provide a description of benefits provided for retired jockeys, if any, in addition to the benefits provided to active riders.

On a national basis, there are not any benefits for retired jockeys, with the exception of the jockeys who are enrolled in the California Pension Plan.  Retired Jockeys’ Guild members can remain a member in good standing by paying dues at a reduced rate and have the option of maintaining their life insurance policy. 

10.  Please advise if your association receives any of the fines paid by jockeys as a result of racing infractions or violations.

No.

11.  Please provide any and all information pertaining to the medical standards and guidelines or requirements during race meets.  For example, the number of doctors, medical personnel, ambulances, relations with medical trauma centers, etc.

As you may recall, medical standards in the United States have varied in the past by jurisdiction.  The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) or Model Rule required 1 paramedic and 1 EMT during training hours and 2 paramedics during racing, with a limited number of jurisdictions adopting and/or enforcing the Model Rule. 

For the past several years, the Guild has been working to assure that there is a minimum of paramedics during training and racing hours.  Additionally, we have been working to establish implementation of concussion protocols and return to ride guidelines.  Unfortunately, the support we received from the industry was very limited. 

However, with the adoption of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) in 2020 and implementation beginning in 2021, standards have been created pertaining to various aspects of medical care, particularly the care that is afforded to riders and others who sustain traumatic injuries.  Racetracks will be required to demonstrate a comprehensive place to provide timely medical care when necessary.  Most racecourses do have 2 ambulances and will try to have an ambulance or a chase vehicle follow the field while racing.  Many tracks will have a first aid room, some staffed with a doctor or a nurse, for jockey evaluation after minor falls.  Major falls usually result in immediate transfer to the nearest hospital.

HISA has established Racetrack Safety Program as found in HISA Rules 2000. Under such rules pertaining to safety. racetracks are required to be in compliance in order to be deemed “accredited”.   Starting on July 1, 2022, all tracks that were accredited with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) received interim accreditation, while tracks that were not accredited with the NTRA were granted a one-year provisional accreditation and a reasonable period to achieve compliance as long as they were demonstrating continuous progress. 

Additionally, HISA has appointed Dr. Peter Hester to serve as the industry’s first ever National Medical director and Jeff Johnston to serve as dedicated Jockey Safety and Welfare Manager.  Both of these individuals work to enhance and expand the safety programs for the jockeys, including the medical response and protocols for medical personnel at the racetracks. 

Under the current HISA Rule 2166 Human Ambulance Support, racetracks are required to provide a properly staffed and equipped Advance Life Support Ambulance during training and racing hours.  During racing, unless approved by the stewards or the State Racing Commission, the ambulance is to follow the filed.  Racetracks are to ensure that the medical staff has been trained in concussion management.  Any jockey who falls or is thrown from a horse during a race must be examined by the medical staff.  The Medical Staff shall report their findings to the Stewards who will determine if the jockey may continue riding.

Jockeys are required to have both an annual exam and a baseline concussion test.  Although there are certain racetracks which have a medical provider to perform such tests, there are many that do not.  As such, HISA established a partnership with NovaCare Rehabilitation, a nationwide physical therapy network with nearly 2,000 outpatient physical therapy centers and more than 7,000 licensed therapists. NovaCare will provide jockeys with routine physicals and baseline concussion examinations at a discounted price nationwide.

Jockey are required to be registered with HEADCHECK Health, a digital medical records and concussion protocol management platform, to allow racetrack personnel to use data-driven insights to improve the care they provide riders. Through the HEADCHECK platform, riders will gain access to a new, secure system to store their medical records, which will be easily available to physicians in an emergency.

For your review and consideration, I have also attached HISA’s Nationwide Concussion Protocol which was created pursuant to Rule 2192. Concussion Management. 

12.  If required, who is responsible for the cost of liability policies for coverage of the jockeys in the event of an accident?

Currently, the racetracks provide the on-track accident policies in the event of accidents in the non-workers compensation states.  It should be noted, pursuant to Rule HISA Rule 2193 Insurance, racetracks are required to provide a minimum of standard of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per incident worth of accident medical expense coverage for all jockeys.  It should also be noted, unlike some countries, the jockeys in the United States are currently not required to have individual liability policies.

Please note, Louisiana, Texas, and West Virginia are not under the jurisdiction of HISA.  However, racetracks have on-track accident policies in those jurisdictions to provide the coverage referenced above for jockeys when a racetrack is open, including incidents that occur during training and racing.

13.  Please advise if your organization has a charity fund to assist riders (both active and retired) with hardships and who provides the funding.

The Jockeys’ Guild does not assist members with hardships directly, but the organization assists two separate entities that provide funding.

The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund – Assists jockeys who have suffered an injury on track that restricts them from working.  Benefits include $1000/month stipend and payment of medical insurance to cover all prescription medications and doctor visits.

The Jockey Club Safety Net -- a charitable trust which provides, on a confidential basis, financial relief and assistance to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families.

14.  Please provide the standards for the safety vest and for the helmets for the jockeys.   Who is responsible for inspecting the equipment to make sure that it is in compliance with the rules. Is any of the equipment provided by or paid for by the association or others?

With the exception of Louisiana, Texas, and West Virginia, all other states are under the rules and regulations of HISA 

HISA RULE 2293.

Equipment

(a) Helmets.

(1) Any person mounted on a Horse or stable pony anywhere on racetrack

grounds shall always wear a properly secured safety helmet.

(2) All starting gate personnel shall always wear a properly secured safety helmet while performing their duties or handling a Horse.

(3) The safety helmet may not be altered in any manner and the product marking shall not be removed or defaced.

(4) The stewards, or their designees, shall inspect safety helmets at the beginning of a Race Meet and randomly throughout the Race Meet.

(5) The Clerk of Scales shall report to the stewards any variances of safety helmets seen during the course of their work.

(6) The helmet must comply with one of the following minimum safety standards or later revisions:

(i) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM 1163);

(ii) European Standards (EN–1384 or PAS–015 or VG1);

(iii) Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZ 3838 or ARB HS 2012);

or (iv) Snell Equestrian Standard 2001.

(b) Vests.

(1) Any person mounted on a Horse or stable pony on the racetrack grounds must wear a properly secured safety vest at all times.

(2) All starting gate personnel must wear a properly secured safety vest at all times while performing their duties or handling a Horse.

(3) The safety vest may not be altered in any manner and the product marking shall not be removed or defaced.

(4) The stewards shall inspect safety vests at the beginning of a Race Meet and randomly throughout the Race Meet.

(5) The clerk of scales shall report to the stewards any variances of safety vests seen during their course of work.

(6) The safety vest must comply with one of the following minimum standards, as the same may be from time to time amended or revised:

(i) British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA):2000 Level 1;

(ii) Euro Norm (EN) 13158:2000 Level 1;

(iii) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1781–08 or F1937;

(iv) Shoe and Allied Trade Research Association (SATRA) Jockey Vest Document M6–3; or

(v) Australian Racing Board (ARB) Standard 1.1998.

All jockeys pay for and provide their own equipment.  

There is much debate as to who is responsible for checking the equipment, whether it is the racetracks or the racing commissions, and it is rarely enforced in the majority.  However, racecourse stewards are generally in charge of inspecting equipment to ensure it conforms to the rules.  Some states have a specific steward designated to track safety, “Safety Steward”, and do a good job of monitoring equipment.  However, there are many jurisdictions in which inspection does not occur and uncertified equipment is commonly used.

15.  Is there a minimum and/or maximum age for licensing?  Is schooling or training mandated?

The minimum age for licensing in most states is 16 years of age.  Some states require 18 years or proof of licensing in another state.  No schooling or training is mandated.  Prior to licensing however, an applicant may have to show competence by breaking out of the gate and getting approval from the starter, outrider, and stewards.

16.  Please explain with regards to the kitchens in the jockey quarter or food that is available to riders during the race day.

Some, but not all tracks in the United States have kitchens in the jockeys’ rooms and provide food to order.  Kitchens in the jockeys’ rooms are becoming fewer and fewer as management at many racetracks are looking to cut costs and they feel that eliminating the kitchens is a means to do so, replacing them instead with vending machines.  Menus are generally short order with popular items such as hamburgers, deli sandwiches, and fried foods.  Most will offer a soup and/or salad, but usually the quality is poor.  Little consideration is given to healthy eating and dietary needs. 

17.  Please advise the minimum scale of weights for riders in your country.  Additionally, please advise what equipment is included when a jockey weighs out before the race.

Most racing jurisdictions in the United States have adopted the ARCI Model Rule for minimum weights and equipment that can be weighed with, in and out.  Effectively, this rule sets the minimum weight for journeymen jockeys at 116 pounds (52.5kg).

ARCI MODEL RULE

ARCI-010-020. WEIGHTS. D. SCALE OF WEIGHTS

(1)   With the exception of apprentice allowances, handicap races, three (3) year old horses entered to run in races against horses four (4) years old and upwards, and the allowance provided in subsection (2) of this section, no jockey shall be assigned a weight of less than 118 pounds. For three (3) year old horses entered to run in races against horses four (4) years old and upwards from January 1 through August 31, no jockey shall be assigned a weight of less than 116 pounds (52.5kg).

(2)   Except in handicaps, fillies two (2) years old shall be allowed three (3) pounds, and fillies and mares three (3) years old and upward shall be allowed five (5) pounds before September 1, and three (3) pounds thereafter in races where competing against horses of the opposite sex.

(3)   Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and Paints minimum scale weights shall be 124 pounds for two-year-olds, 126 pounds for three-year-olds, and 128 pounds for four-year-olds and older.

(4)   A notice shall be included in the daily program that all jockeys will carry approximately three (3) pounds more than the published weight to account for safety equipment (vest and helmet) that is not included in require weighing out procedures.  Additionally, upon stewards’ approval, jockeys may weigh in with an additional three (3) pounds for inclement weather gear.

ARCI-010-035. RUNNING OF THE RACE. C. JOCKEY REQUIREMENTS. 7. WEIGHING OUT

(a)   A jockey's weight shall include his/her clothing, boots, saddle and its attachments and any other equipment except the bridle, bit, blinkers, goggles, number cloth and safety equipment including helmet, vest, over-girth, reins and breast collar.

(b)   Upon Stewards approval, jockeys may be allowed up to three (3) pounds more than published weights to account for inclement weather clothing and equipment.

ARCI-010-E. POST TO FINISH. 11. WEIGHING IN

(a)   A jockey shall weigh in at no less than the same weight at which he/she weighed out, and if under that weight, and after consideration of mitigating circumstances by the board of stewards, his/her mount may be disqualified from any portion of the purse money.

(b)    In the event of such disqualification, all monies wagered on the horse shall be refunded unless the race has been declared official.

(c)    A jockey’s weight shall include clothing, boots, saddle and its attachments and any other equipment except the bridle, bit, blinkers, number cloth and over-girth, reins and breast collar.

(d)    Upon approval of the stewards, the jockeys may be allowed up to three (3) pounds more than published weights to account for inclement weather clothing and equipment.

(e)    The post-race weight of jockeys includes any sweat, dirt and mud that have accumulated on the jockey, jockey’s clothing, jockey’s safety equipment and over-girth.  This accounts for additional weight, depending on specific equipment, as well as weather, track and racing conditions.

18.  Please advise if your organization provides assistance and education pertaining health and well-being such as nutrition, psychological, job retraining, etc.

Currently there are not any formal programs in place for nutrition, psychological, or job retraining.

However, two young jockeys unlived themselves in January and March of 2023, respectively, the Jockeys’ Guild and HISA circulated an anonymous survey for of jockeys recently conducted to evaluate jockeys’ mental wellness needs and determine what kinds of resources and support services would be most impactful in strengthening their overall health and wellbeing.  In May of 2023, the Guild and HISA hosted a Jockey Mental Wellness symposium at Keeneland with the intent of bringing Industry Leasers together.  During that symposium, FGS Global advised that 230 jockeys across the country responded and shared the results of the, which found:

·       10% of jockeys describe their mental health as “poor”

·       A third have had challenges in their daily lives over the past month due to feelings of sadness, depression, or anxiety.

·       93% are concerned about financial stability and providing for their families

The surveyed jockeys said that such worries about lack of financial security, making weight, the pressure to win and lack of a livable wage were among the biggest pressures they consistently face. The barriers to seeking help most often cited by jockeys included the fear of losing work and a general stigma around asking for support.  Potential resources that respondents expressed the most interest in to help address their challenges included nutritional support services to help safely maintain weight, access to a sports psychologist, career transition resources for retirement and personal finance assistance.

On August 1, 2023, a second symposium regarding mental health and wellness, which included a panel of former athletes and jockeys who addressed many of the challenges that jockeys as professional athletes, face on a daily basis.  Shortly thereafter, a steering committee was created to recommend and develop programming in support of the mental health and wellness of jockeys.   Additionally, an Advisory Council has also been formed.

The steering committee, being led by Ambassador Earle Mack, was created with a collective goal of driving research, programming, and resources towards jockey mental wellness initiatives. Mack is the founder of the Man O' War Project at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, which has the program mission to scientifically evaluate equine-assisted therapy to help individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Yuval Neria and Dr. Prudence Fisher are co-directors of the Man O' War project and will be instrumental in developing new jockey-specific programs.

The advisory group, under direction of HISA national medical director Dr. Pete Hester, has held brainstorming sessions with industry and external experts and report best practices and initiatives to the steering committee for next steps and potential full adoption.

19.  Is jockey advertising allowed in your country?  If so, what are the requirements to allow for jockeys to wear the advertising?  Is it the individual riders who enter into the contracts with the sponsors or does your organization handle the negotiations?  How are the proceeds of the contracts distributed or do all of the funds go to the individual jockey?

Jockey advertising is allowed in certain jurisdictions.  However, the states such as Kentucky and New York, have such restrictive requirements, that it is virtually impossible for the jockeys to obtain sponsors.  In those jurisdictions, the jockeys must obtain approval by the owner of each horse that they ride, every time they ride a horse. However, New York has been allowing for jockeys who have an annual deal to receive approval at the beginning of the meet instead of for every race.   Additionally, the sponsor cannot conflict with the race association’s sponsors for either the meet, or the particular race day.  California does not have such strict enforcement of the jockey advertising.  Therefore, there are many West Coast jockeys who have been able to secure annual sponsorship agreements. 

While it is typically the individuals who secure the sponsorship agreements, members of the Guild have granted the organization the right to enter into corporate sponsorship agreement(s) for jockey apparel in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup races and such other specific races as may be determined by the Board of Directors of the Guild. However, in light of the restrictions as indicated above, it has been difficult for the Guild to be able to enter into such negotiations. 

20.  How are the jockey agents and valets paid?  What is the usual percentage that the agents receive?  What is the usual percentage for valets?

Jockey agents and valets are paid out of the individual jockeys riding fees usually on a percentage basis. The agent’s fees are negotiated individually between the jockey and the agent but as a general rule will be 20%-30% of the riding fee. The valets are employees of the racetrack and receive a salary or hourly wage.  The jockeys then pay an additional percentage to their valets and the fees are negotiated individually between the jockey and the valet.  However, as a general rule will the valet will receive 5%-10% of the jockey’s riding fee.