Jockeys' Guild Makes Strides on Social Media, App

As racing enters a new decade, the Jockeys' Guild continues to use technology to improve both its reach to the public and communications within the organization.

Carli Cortez of The Social Group, who handles social media for the Guild; and Kevin Carter of E-Link Design, which has developed an app for use of Guild members to communicate within the organization; updated Guild members on progress of these initiatives at the organization's assembly Dec. 9 at TopGolf in Las Vegas.

Cortez noted the addition of a Guild Instagram account in 2019 has been well-received, registering a 90% reach on its posts. The addition of the Instagram account adds to the Guild's social media presence, which includes Facebook and Twitter.

Jockeys' Guild president and CEO Terry Meyocks said the Guild's well-received social media presence, along with popular individual accounts of riders, has helped promote the sport.

"This not only increases awareness of the jockeys themselves but of the industry overall. We feel it's very important because, 'Who relate to the fans the most?' The riders," Meyocks said. "Hopefully what we've been doing the last few years has increased awareness for the industry."

Cortez said many of the riders have larger social media followings than the Guild. She would like to increase the Guild's social media following through their help. She encouraged riders to tag the Guild in posts to create more awareness and to send along more personal content, which she noted fares well in connecting with people.

While the Guild attempts to promote riders, racing, and rider issues to other industry players and the general public through social media, the organization expects an app that will launch this year to improve communication within the Guild. The app, fully available in English and Spanish, will allow Guild members to pay dues and submit claims.

Meyocks noted that injured jockeys aren't always fully aware of possible benefits that may be available and the app will help provide such information.

While contact information would seem basic, Meyocks noted that with riders frequently on the move, that can be a challenge as well. The app will allow riders to easily update their contact information and through notifications can keep riders up to date on information.

Riders will be able to look up their statistics through a link with Equibase; and will have contact links to get a hold of Guild leadership.

Carter said the app will go through final testing in December and January with a planned launch in March. He said as riders use the app, E-Link Design expects to quickly add options to meet rider needs. Meyocks said one of those first updates will be supplying nutritional information for riders.

"We talk about nutrition, and we've been dealing with other jockey associations from around the world, and we're 10 or 15 years behind," Meyocks said. "In Ireland they're working with the young riders, teaching them about nutrition. They're willing to share that information and get it to us (that can be added on the app). ... Part of your business is to get good nutrition and stay healthy. 

Carter encouraged riders to supply feed back so other needed topics can be added as the app gets up and running.