Jockey Health Study Underway in Britain

A three-year study of the short-term and long-tem health consequences for professional jockeys is underway in Great Britain.

The first part of the study is looking at injuries sustained by retired jockeys during their careers. So far 82 retired National Hunt jockeys and 43 retired Flat jockeys have filled in questionnaires for use by the research team.

'The Jockey Study ' is funded by a Racing Foundation grant of more than £220,000 and is a collaborative venture between Oxford University and the racing industry, including the British Horseracing Authority, Professional Jockeys Association, and Injured Jockeys Fund. 

The ultimate aim of the study is improving the health and welfare of jockeys and exercise riders. Any retired jockeys are encouraged to participate in the study, which will help the industry develop new strategies to support the health, well-being, and safety of jockeys and stable staff.

Willie Carson, former five-time British champion Jockey and racing ambassador for the study said: "We know that racing is a high-risk sport, so understanding both the risks for injury in current jockeys and the long-term problems in retired jockeys is incredibly important. This research will really improve our knowledge and help racing to look after its jockeys."

Information gathered from retired jockeys will form a crucial part of the overall study, said Dale Gibson, Professional Jockeys Association executive director-racing.

"(Findings) will enable us to identify ways of reducing injury risk for those who participate in our sport and ensure they are as well-equipped as possible to cope with the physical demands of their job."