Range of Topics Planned for Jockeys' Assembly
Description:
Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys from around the country will attend the Jockeys' Guild Assembly Dec. 12-13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Sessions begin Monday, Dec. 12 with J. Curtis Linnell of the TRBP on "Wagering and Integrity Issues" followed by a panel discussion, "Medical Management for Jockeys" moderated by Dr. Dan Han of the University of Kentucky with Dr. Carl Mattacola of the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences, Dr. Kelly Ryan of Medstar Sports Medicine, Dr. Hallie Zwibel, of the New York Institute of Technology, director of sports medicine; and Carolina Quintana of the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences.
Sarah Jane Cullen, an assistant lecturer in the department of health, sport and exercise science at Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford, Ireland will speak on Monday with Gillie O'Loughlin, a sports dietician, to discuss the importance of nutrition for jockeys. Cullen also acts as the research and education officer for The Turf Club which is the regulatory body for horse racing in Ireland.
Monday afternoon sessions include a presentation, "Harnessing the Mind: Mental Preparedness On and Off the Track," by Justin Bullock of PROVE Performance. Monday's final panel session will be "Faces of the PDJF" moderated by TVG's Mike Joyce, board member of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund. He will be joined by disabled members Michael Straight, Stacy Burton, Jackie Fires, and Anne Von Rosen.
A welcome cocktail party is planned for Monday evening at the MGM Grand.
Tuesday's session will begin with Dan Waits, executive director of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, followed by a presentation with Dr. Dan Han, Chief of Neuropsychology Clinical Service at the University of Kentucky, "Concussions in Riding - Mood is Affected." Mike Penna of HRRN Radio will be moderating the final panel discussion featuring active and retired riders including John Velazquez, Mike Smith, G.R. Carter, Laffit Pincay Jr., Ramon Dominguez, and Russell Baze discussing planning for life after riding as well as roles jockeys need to play to promote our industry.
The annual awards banquet, emceed by jockey Aaron Gryder and sponsored by Horsemen's Track & Equipment, will be held Tuesday afternoon at the MGM Grand when the Eddie Arcaro Award will be presented to Mike Penna of HRRN Radio, the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award to Russell Baze, the Jacky Martin Award to Esgar Ramirez, and the Courage Award to Stacy Burton. Featured speaker at the luncheon is Leon Symanski, former UNLV basketball player and Las Vegas attorney.
A closed session for members only will take place after the luncheon for board elections.