Jockeys' Guild Set for Annual Assembly

With a move on the calendar from January to December and a move on the map from South Florida to ever-popular Las Vegas, the Jockeys' Guild is expecting a large turnout for its assembly Dec. 12-13 at the MGM Grand.

The assembly will continue to emphasize safety, but beyond important big-picture issues, sessions also will provide ideas that riders can apply to their daily lives. 

Some of those presentations of immediate use for riders include Sarah Jane Cullen, an assistant lecturer in the department of health, sport, and exercise science at Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford, Ireland; and Gillie O'Loughlin, a sports dietitian, discussing the importance of nutrition for jockeys.

Justin Bullock of PROVE Performance will offer his ideas in a session called, "Harnessing the Mind: Mental Preparedness On and Off the Track." Current and retired riders will discuss planning for life after riding.

In terms of big-picture issues, the Guild will continue to raise awareness and try to increase participation in its concussion protocol program.

In the past five years the Guild has worked to add jockey safety standards to the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance in 2011 and in 2012 launched a jockey injury database that provides medical personnel important information in an emergency situation.

The concussion protocol was launched last year. On the first day of the assembly, a panel will discuss medical management for jockeys, where concussion awareness figures to be talked about; on the second day an expert will talk about how concussions can alter mood.

Other planned presentations include J. Curtis Linnell of the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau talking about wagering and integrity issues and a group of riders who benefit from the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund talking about that program.

The annual awards banquet, emceed by jockey Aaron Gryder, will be held Dec. 13 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.