jockeys

Only those living under rocks would be forgiven ignorance of the July 1 launch of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA). Thanks to HISA's shifting goal posts and sometimes opaque approach to the dissemination of information, however, even those without such domiciles would be forgiven confusion as to what is expected of them between now and takeoff. The following, therefore, is aimed at providing a basic guide to help industry participants navigate the weeks ahead, from the registration process to important new rules that will be in place July...

As part of a mandate that flows from the governor on down to the commissioners he has appointed to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), the "lens of equity" may soon be focused squarely on the state's jockey colony. Fear not, California riders: This initiative means the owners of male horses that you pilot to victory in certain graded stakes might soon be compelled to award you a one-time breeding right if that winner goes on to become a stallion. That's a practice that was once a "gentleman's agreement" type...

The California Horse Racing Board's Jockey and Driver Welfare Committee held a relatively rare meeting Wednesday in Sacramento to discuss several items, including a novel and somewhat controversial proposal to require the granting of a one-time breeding right or season to the winning rider of a future stallion that wins certain California graded stakes. As the CHRB's meeting package points out, owners have typically given a stallion share to the regular rider and trainer of horses that retire to stud. But that voluntary practice "has evolved, some would say eroded,...

Monmouth Park jockeys will once again be allowed to use their whips to encourage their mounts when the meet kicks off May 7. The change was made during a special hearing held Friday by the New Jersey Racing Commission, which voted to rescind rules that were put in place prior to the 2021 Monmouth meeting that allowed whipping only in cases where it was needed for safety reasons. New Jersey was the only state in the country where whipping was banned. Monmouth's whipping rules were set to change July 1,...

The British Horseracing Authority is defending and moving to clarify its decision to raise the minimum and maximum weights for jockeys by two pounds in place of the three-pound Covid weight allowance, a decision that has received criticism from some members of the riding colony. In a statement released on Wednesday, the BHA said, "In light of comments made in relation to the two-pound riding weight increase announced yesterday, the BHA would like to clarify a few areas in relation to the policy and consultation. "The three-pound Covid allowance was...

From next Tuesday, jockeys entering British weighing rooms will be required to provide a negative lateral flow test against the coronavirus. The measure was due to be brought in this week, but temporarily delayed by the British Horseracing Authority to allow participants time to obtain the tests, and to wait for increased availability of the tests. The introduction of mandatory tests for jockeys builds on the existing infection control measures that include social distancing and face coverings.

Jockeys Jorge A. Vargas, Jr. and Jalon Samuel have tested positive for COVID-19 and will be off their mounts for the remainder of the weekend, the New York Racing Association, Inc. announced Friday. All members of the NYRA jockey colony are vaccinated and adhere to established protocols. Vargas, Jr. rode races on Thursday, Dec. 30 and sought testing Friday after developing mild symptoms overnight. Vargas, Jr. did not experience symptoms during Thursday's card. Samuel had no mounts during Thursday's card and was not on-site at Aqueduct. He sought testing after...

Former jockey Freddy Tylicki has won his High Court case against Graham Gibbons over the 2016 fall at Kempton that left him partially paralysed. Judge Karen Walden-Smith, in finding Gibbons liable for Tylicki's injuries, said Gibbons had ridden with "a reckless disregard for Mr. Tylicki's safety" when manoeuvring his mount, Madame Butterfly, into the path of Tylicki's, Nellie Deen, causing the fall that left Tylicki with life-changing injuries. "If Mr. Gibbons was not aware of Nellie Deen's presence he clearly should have been," said Walden-Smith. "He was considered to be...

Horse Racing Ireland will increase the minimum and maximum weights allowed for jockeys under both codes. From Feb. 1, the minimum weight will be increased three pounds to 8st 7lb for flat races, four pounds to 10st for National Hunt races and three pounds to 10st 7lb for Qualified Rider races. The changes were decided based upon recommendations from a cross-industry Jockeys Supports Working Group set up by the HRI Programmes Committee. Dr. Jennifer Pugh, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board's Senior Medical Officer, said, "I very much welcome these changes...

Ireland's leading flat jockeys will have a four-week winter break after Horse Racing Ireland restricted three Dundalk meetings in early January to apprentices or jockeys or rode fewer than 20 winners last season. The meetings are Jan. 5, 7 and 14. Jason Morris, Horse Racing Ireland's director of racing, said, "In 2021 HRI extended the break for our leading jump jockeys from 12 to 24 days during June, which was very well received. The changes announced today, which were proposed by the Irish Jockeys' Association, will mean that we will...

Saunas will be removed from all jockeys' quarters in Britain as part of a long-term programme to modernise weighing rooms that has been developed by a cross-industry group of jockeys, racehorses and the British Horseracing Authority. Weighing room saunas have been closed as part of Covid safety measures since the onset of the pandemic, and 88% of jockeys polled support their removal. Dr. Jerry Hill, BHA chief medical adviser, said, "Saunas have been out of operation throughout the pandemic, which has presented the opportunity for a wider discussion about their...

The Jockeys' Guild and Colonial Downs Group have entered into a long-term industry partnership agreement. Under the terms of the multi-year deal, Colonial Downs will contribute to the Guild to help subsidize health insurance, life insurance and temporary disability benefits for members who regularly ride at Colonial Downs, as well as benefits for all jockeys who are members of the Jockeys' Guild and ride in the United States. "The safety of both jockeys and equine athletes is a priority at Colonial Downs," said Jill Byrne, Vice-President of Racing Operations at...