Lone Star Cancels July 14 Amid Jockey Insurance Issues

Lone Star Park canceled racing July 14 because jockeys there are concerned they will not receive prompt off-track medical treatment from providers if they are injured during racing, according to Terry Meyocks, president and CEO of the Jockeys' Guild.

The Texas track, operated by Global Gaming Solutions, has a $1 million on-track insurance policy for injured jockeys, Meyocks said, but that a rider injured there July 4, Carlos Montalvo, had not been able to secure until late this week an appointment with a doctor to get treated for three to four injuries. 

The on-track accident policy, underwritten by Chubb and purchased through John Unick's Insurance Office of America, is the "exact policy" in place at many other U.S. racetracks, Unick told BloodHorse.

"It seems to be a regional situation in Dallas-Fort Worth," Unick said. "I don't know what's causing it, but the medical providers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are all of a sudden uniting and being difficult insurance-wise."

Frustrations related to obtaining pre-authorization and pre-clearance to see specialists appear to be involved, Unick added.

Meyocks said jockeys met with Lone Star Park management late Thursday afternoon and did not receive what they felt were adequate assurances that they could receive immediate treatment.

"Hopefully it gets worked out today," Meyocks said July 15. "It's not what Lone Star did wrong or the insurance company. It's the system that maybe is broken. It's unfortunate."

Tim Williams, an executive with Lone Star Park, declined comment on behalf of Global Gaming.

Amy Cook, executive director of the Texas Racing Commission, did not return messages seeking comment.

"It's being addressed at the highest level, and Carlos, as any jockey, will be taken care of properly," Unick said. "Our reputation means everything with taking care of jockeys. He's in the best of care, but the system sometimes needs to be ironed out."

Lone Star Park is scheduled to race Friday evening, with a determination on the status of racing likely to come by late afternoon. The track hosts a series of rich stakes races July 16 as the track winds down its meet that runs through July 24.