Jockeys' Guild to Discuss Moving Racing Forward

When the Jockeys' Guild gathers for its assembly Dec. 9 in Las Vegas, the riders plan to discuss ways they can move the sport forward.

The Jockeys' Guild Annual Assembly, sponsored by Betfair USA, is scheduled for Monday at TopGolf which is adjacent to the MGM Grand Hotel. 

In a year that saw the sport receive negative attention following a rash of breakdowns at Santa Anita Park, an agenda highlight for the one-day Assembly will be an open discussion between riders and track executives on improving the sport. The two-hour afternoon discussion to be moderated by TVG Analyst Mike Joyce is titled, "Jockeys and Tracks Working Together for the Betterment of our Industry."

"With all the issues that are facing our industry today, the Jockeys' Guild board of directors expressed a desire to meet with members of racetrack management to explore how the jockeys can become more involved at the racetracks and work with management to improve the perception of our sport and increase the fan base," said Guild president and CEO Terry Meyocks.

The busy day will begin with a morning session that will include opening remarks by Meyocks and an update on the Jockeys' Guild retirement plan. Other presentations include a representative from e-Link Design, Kevin Carter, discussing the development of the Jockeys' Guild app. Carli Cortez will discuss Jockeys' Guild social media efforts.

Carolina Quintana, a doctoral student at the University of Kentucky, will provide an update on the Sports Medicine Research Institute. 

Nancy Lasala, president of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, will discuss the second telethon to benefit the PDJF which took place in April, as well as plans for the 2020 telethon sponsored by Betfair USA, plus other fund-raising efforts including Jockeys and Jeans and PDJF Day Across America.

After the open discussion with racing executives, the assembly will close with a session on Guild financials.

Between the morning and afternoon sessions, the Guild will conduct its annual award luncheon, also at TopGolf. It will announce the recipients of the Eddie Arcaro Award, the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award, the Jacky Martin Award, and the Ron Turcotte Courage Award. JockeyTalk360 will present its awards for Comeback of the Year, Turf Jockey of Year, and Breakthrough Jockey of the Year.

A cocktail party is planned for Monday evening at TopGolf to close the 2019 Assembly.

For more information on the Assembly, contact the Jockeys' Guild, (859) 523-5625.