Jockeys' Guild Annual Assembly Re-cap

December 8, 2010

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE JOCKEYS’ GUILD CONCLUDES IN ARIZONA;

SAFETY PANEL PROVIDES A HIGHLIGHT

An all-star panel of experts participating in a Rider Safety Summit provided one of the highlights at the 2010 Annual Assembly of the Jockeys’ Guild, which concluded Tuesday.

The Annual Assembly was held in conjunction with the University of Arizona’s 2010 Symposium on Racing and Gaming, at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona. 

The joint seminar was presented by the Jockeys’ Guild, Association of Racing Commissioners  International (ARCI) and the Race Track Industry Program, which addressed important medical safety issues involving riders.

The panel included Dr. Ed Hall, Director of the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center at the University of Kentucky; Dr. Oswald Steward, Director, Reeve-Irvine Research Center, Anatomy & Neurology School of Medicine at UC Irvine; Dr. Dalton Dietrich, Director of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis; Mike Ziegler, Executive Director of the NTRA Safety & Integrity Alliance, who discussed best practices and minimum standards and Brad Kimbrell, Executive Vice President of InCompass who discussed the importance of the Jockey Health and Information System and the development of a national Jockey Injury Database.

Also on the agenda, retired NBC White House Correspondent Richard Valeriani conducted a seminar for Guild members on the media and how jockeys can best relate to the press.  

Victor Espinosa, Jr., Vice President of the Equibase Company, spoke to the assembly about future developments at Equibase.

            The Guild heard from Nancy LaSala, Executive Director of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), regarding the accomplishments of the organization in 2010 and its hope for the future.  The Guild adopted a resolution urging the tracks, horsemen’s groups, owners, racing related businesses and other industry organizations to actively support and contribute to the PDJF.

            During the business session, elections were held with John Velazquez re-elected as Chairman, G.R. Carter re-elected as Vice Chairman and Jerry LaSala was re-elected to the Treasurer’s post.  Joel Campbell was elected as Secretary of the Guild replacing Jon Court.  The Guild expressed a sincere appreciation for the dedication and hard work of Court in his position of Secretary.

Re-elected to the Board were Perry Compton, Rodney Prescott, Robby Albarado and Glen Murphy.  Ramon Dominguez was newly elected to the Board.

The Guild adopted an annual budget for 2011 that continues the process of erasing any deficits from the Chapter 11 proceeding that ended in 2008.

A committee consisting of Guild members and staff was appointed to further consider several insurance opportunities that would provide Guild members with additional coverage for on track accidents. 

The Guild extensively discussed the status of its 2011 Safety Initiative concerning helmets, vests and involvement in research on these safety items.  To that end, the Jockeys’ Guild has become a member of ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials) to facilitate such goals.

The Guild received a presentation from Mike Campbell, President of Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association concerning legislation to extend workers comp in Illinois to racetrack workers.  The Guild adopted a resolution supporting the extension of workers compensation to all racing industry employees in all states that do not yet provide that coverage.

Duncan Patterson, a long time member of the Delaware Racing Commission and the ARCI Rules Committee, addressed the assembly on various topics including the ARCI and the proposed Racing Compact.

            “I would like to thank all of the presenters for sharing their expertise with the Assembly,” said Terry Meyocks, National Manager of the Jockeys’ Guild.  I would also like to thank the University of Arizona and its Race Track Industry Program for providing us this forum.  They, along with the presenters, have helped make this year’s meeting a tremendous success. The sessions were both helpful and informative to all of us who attended the event.  The discussion of these issues will be helpful for both the racing industry and the Guild.”

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Contact: Jockeys’ Guild  (859) 305-0606

December 9, 2009

JOCKEYS’ GUILD’S 2009 ANNUAL ASSEMBLY WRAPS UP IN ARIZONA

WHILE ARCI ADOPTS NEW MODEL RULES AFFECTING JOCKEYS

            The 2009 Assembly of the Jockeys’ Guild concluded today following significant changes adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) this past weekend.

            Three new model rules were adopted by the ARCI on Sunday December 6, one concerning mount fees, another regarding weights carried and the third establishing uniform weigh out/in procedures.

            The ARCI new model rule for mount fees includes an increase for losing mount fees and requires that the Jockeys’ Guild and local horsemen’s associations reach an agreement on the applicable fees 30 days prior to the race meet.  In the absence of an agreement, model rule guidelines should apply.  Additionally, the mount fees are indexed for inflation based on an average of several measures of the cost of living.

            Regarding weight carried, the new model rule states that the minimum weight requirement is now 118 pounds except in the case of apprentice jockeys.  The previous rule had been outdated and not been used for decades.

            The third model rule concerning weighing out/in allows for 3 lbs of safety equipment and upon approval of the stewards, an additional 3 lbs for inclement weather clothing.  The new regulations also specify the equipment that is included within the new weight limits for weighing out/in. 

            Racing programs should now inform the public of the weight rules to ensure greater transparency to the public and owners of the actual weight being carried by each horse.

            “The ARCI took a big step forward with these new model rules,” said Terry Meyocks, National Manager of the Jockeys’ Guild.   “The first provides a basis for more realistic mount fees across the country, an area that has been stagnant in some jurisdictions for more than 20 years.”

            “The second model rule provides a more up-to-date weight minimum to be carried by horses competing in races in this country.  The third model rule concerning a uniform rule on weighing out, weighing in procedures is a great improvement.  With many different jockeys riding in various jurisdictions during the course of a year, it only makes sense to have a standardized rule.  Additionally, a uniform rule provides consistency to all racing officials and track managements.”

            On Monday, December 7, 2009, jockeys from across the country met and received reports from Meyocks and Vice Chairman G.R. Carter that outlined the advances the Guild has made in 2009.  They include:

1.       Stabilizing the Guild ‘s finances

2.       Entering into successful partnerships with many industry organizations to focus on       growing the sport and furthering the mutual interests of all participants

3.       Securing losing mount fee increases at many tracks around the country

4.       Protecting the rights of jockeys to due process including at Charles Town, West Virginia

5.       Supporting successful growth in the PDJF program and its merger with the Disabled Jockeys Endowment

6.       Continuing to develop jockey sponsorship opportunities at the Triple Crown and other races

7.       Participating in the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance

            The Assembly also discussed ways of increasing revenue for the Guild and encouraging new member participation.

            Monday afternoon, the Assembly heard reports from many leading figures in the racing industry including Nick Nicholson, President and CEO of Keeneland, Larry Eliason who is the Chairman of the ARCI Model Rules & Practices Committee and Corey Johnsen, President of Kentucky Downs. John Unick of MOC Insurance Services; addressed jockey insurance issues while River Downs’ John Engelhardt, President of the Turf Publicists of America, discussed the re-institution of jockey trading cards and gave out samples.

            Starting the Tuesday morning sessions, a panel discussion on “Giving a Leg Up to the Industry,” Corey Johnsen and jockeys Robby Albarado and G.R Carter discussed ways that jockeys could help promote the sport.  The discussion focused on legislative issues, sponsorship opportunities for jockeys at the Triple Crown and other key races and jockey challenges.  Also discussed was the more than $1 million raised for racing charities from jockey sponsorships in 2008 and 2009.  Giving back to the local community was emphasized.

            Nancy LaSala, Executive Director of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) gave a recap of events and fundraisers held throughout 2009 at various locations and tracks around the country to benefit the fund.   She was joined by Matthew Straight who shared his family’s experience with the PDJF after the catastrophic injury of his brother, Michael Straight, at Arlington earlier in the year. 

            Closing the morning session, Roy Arnold, President of Arlington Park, TRA President, and Board Member of PDJF stressed the actions he believes necessary to reduce on-track injuries.

            Tuesday afternoon’s first session featured Mike Zeigler, the Executive Director of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance, discussing compliance standards, key initiatives, safety equipment, catastrophic injury programs, medication and testing, safety and health of riders, an aftercare program for retired riders and compliance standards.  He also set out the benefits to riders provided by the Safety and Integrity Alliance, both directly and indirectly.

            The Assembly concluded with a panel discussion titled “Weighing in on the Industry” moderate by Dan Fick, Executive Vice President and Executive Director of The Jockey Club.  The panelists included jockey Robby Albarado, Jockeys’ Guild Regional Manager Jeff Johnston, National HBPA President Joe Santanna and Alan Foreman, President and CEO of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

            Among the topics of discussion were the new ARCI scale of weights, the ARCI weigh out/in rule, mount fees, workers’ compensation and health insurance for jockeys and exercise riders.

            “The jockeys had not received any raise in losing mount fees since 1985 except for one $5 raise,” said Meyocks.  “Negotiations for increases started long before this economic downturn.  In all cases, we have tried to be fair and reasonable to the owners and have adjusted losing mount fees based on tiered purse levels.

            “We want all segments of the industry to know that the Jockeys’ Guild and its member jockeys want to be part of the solution to racing’s challenges and to work with all segments of the industry to overcome any obstacles we may face,” said Meyocks.  “The jockeys have felt welcome and have enjoyed the interaction with the other industry members.  They look forward to continuing to be a part of the process.  I think the Assembly has been informative for the jockeys and everybody else in attendance.  I would like to thank the jockeys, all of the speakers and the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program for their help in staging this event.”

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Contact: The Jockeys’ Guild

              (859) 305-0606

LA  ASAMBLEA ANNUAL DE  2009 DEL JOCKEYS’ GUILD SE ENVUELVE EN ARIZONA

MIENTRAS ARCI ADOPTA NUEVAS REGLAS MODELAS QUE AFECTAN A JINETES

La Asamblea de 2009 del Jockeys’ Guild concluido hoy después de cambios significativos que son adoptados por la Asociación de Comisarios de Carreras Internacionales (ARCI) a los fines de la semana pasada.

            Tres nuevas reglas modelas fueron adoptadas por el ARCI el domingo, 6 de diciembre, uno acerca de honorarios de montaje, otro en cuanto a pesos cargado y tercer establecimiento en uniforme los procedimientos de peso de fuera y dentro.

La nueva regla modela de ARCI para honorarios de montas incluye un aumento para los honorarios de montajes pérdido y requiere que el Jockeys’ Guild y las asociaciones de los jinetes locales alcancen un acuerdo aplicable en los honorarios 30 días antes de que se encuentren en la raza.  En ausencia de un acuerdo, las pautas de regla modelas deberían aplicarse.  Además, los honorarios de montaje puesto índice por inflación basada en un promedio de varias medidas del coste de la vida.

En cuanto al peso cargado, la nueva regla modela declara que la exigencia de peso mínima es ahora 118 libras a excepción en caso de jockeys de aprendiz.  La regla anterior había sido anticuada y no se ha usado por décadas.

La tercera regla modela acerca del peso fuera y paso dentro permite 3 libras del equipo de seguridad y sobre la aprobación de los administradores, 3 libras adicionales para la ropa meteorológica inclemente.  Las nuevas regulaciones también especifican el equipo que es incluido dentro de los nuevos límites de peso para pesar fuera y dentro.

Los programas de carreras ahora debería informar el público de las reglas de peso para asegurar la mayor transparencia al público y a los dueños del peso actual cargado por cada caballo.

 “El ARCI tomó un paso grande con estas nuevas reglas modelas,” dijo Terry Meyocks, el Gerente Nacional del Jockeys’ Guild.  “El primer proporciona una base para honorarios de montaje más realistas a través del país, un área que ha sido estancada en algunas jurisdicciones por más de 20 años.”

"La segunda regla modela proporciona más actualizado mínimo de peso que sera cargado por caballos que compiten en razas en este país.  La tercera regla modela acerca de una regla uniforme en los procedimientos de la pesada fuera y pesada dentro es un aumente enorme.  Con muchos diferentes jinetes que montan caballos en varias jurisdicciones durante el curso de un año, sólo hace sentido común de tener una regla estandarizada.  Además, una regla uniforme proporciona el consecuencia a todos los oficials de carreras y gerentes de pistas."

El lunes, 7 de diciembre de 2009, jinetes de diferentes partes del país se encontraron y recibieron informes de Meyocks y vicepresidente G.R. Carter que perfiló los avances que ha hecho el Guild en 2009.  ellos incluyen:

1.     Estabilización de las finanzas del Guild

2.     Establecimiento de sociedades acertadas con muchas organizaciones de industria para      concentrarse en el crecimiento del deporte y fomentación de los intereses mutuos de todos los participantes

3.     Asegurar aumentos de los honorarios de montas perdedores en muchas pistas por todo el país

4.     Protegiendo los derechos del los jinetes a proceso debido incluso en Charles Town, West Virginia

5.     Apoyar crecimiento acertado en el programa de PDJF y su fusión con el Atributo de Jockeys Discapacitado

6.     Continuación desarrollando oportunidades de patrocinio de jinetes en la Triple Crown y otras razas

7.     Participación en la Alianza de Integridad y Seguridad de NTRA

La Asamblea también habló de modos de aumentar ingresos para el Guild y animar la participación de miembro nuevos.

El lunes por la tarde, la Asamblea oyó informes de muchas figuras principales de la industria de correras incluso fue Nick Nicholson, el presidente y CEO de Keeneland, Larry Eliason que es el Presidente de ARCI el Comité de las Reglas de Modelo y de Prácticas y Corey Johnsen, el presidente de Kentucky Downs. John Unick de los Servicios de Seguros MOC, se diríja a cuestiones de los jockey sobre los seguros mientras John Engelhardt de River Downs’ el presidente de los Publicistas de Turf de América, habló de la nueva re-institución de naipes de cambia de jinetes y presentó muestras.

Comenzando las sesiones el martes por la mañana, discusiónes en una mesa redonda "Dando una Pierna a la Industria," Corey Johnsen y los jinetes Robby Albarado y G.R. Carter hablaron de modos que los jinetes podrían ayudar a promover el deporte.  La discusión se concentró en cuestiones legislativas, oportunidades de patrocinio para los jinetes en la Triple Crown y otras razas más claves y los desafíos de los jinetes.  También hablaron de lo más de 1 millón de dólar que levantaron para la institución benéfica de patrocinios de jinetes en 2008 y 2009.  Devolviendo a la comunidad local era enfatizado.

Nancy LaSala, la Directora Ejecutiva del Fondo Permanentemente Para los Desavilidados del Jockey (PDJF) dio una recapitulación de acontecimientos y recaudadores de fondos sostenidos a lo largo de 2009 en varios sitios y pistas por todo el país para beneficiar el fondo.  Ella fue afiliada con Matthew Straight que compartió en la experiencia de su familia con el PDJF después de la herida catastrófica de su hermano, Michael Straight, en los  primeros de este año en Arlington.

Cerrando la sesión de la mañana, Roy Arnold, el presidente de Arlington Park, presidente de TRA, y Miembro de Bordo de PDJF acentuó las acciones que él cree necesario para reducir heridas en las pistas.

La primera sesión en la tarde del martes se presentó a Mike Zeigler, el Director Ejecutivo de la Alianza de Integridad y Seguridad NTRA, hablando de estándares de conformidad, claves iniciativas, equipo de seguridad, programas para herida catastróficos, medicación y pruebas, seguridad y salud de jinetes, un programa de asistencia postoperatoria para jinetes jubilados y estándares de conformidad.  Él también dispuso las ventajas a jinetes proporcionados por la Alianza de Integridad y Seguridad, tanto directamente como indirectamente.

La Asamblea concluyó con una discusión titulada “Pesar en la Industria” moderado por Dan Fick, Ejecutivo Vicepresidente y Director Ejecutivo de Jockey Club.  Los participantes incluyeron al los jinetes Robby Albarado, el Jockeys’ Guild Gerente Regional Jeff Johnston, el Presidente Nacional de HBPA Joe Santanna y Alan Foreman, el presidente y CEO de la Asociación de los Jinetes de Pura sangre (Thoroughbred).

Entre los temas de discusión eran la nueva escala de ARCI de pesos, las reglas de ARCI de el peso fuera y peso dentro, honorarios de montaje, compensación de los trabajadores y seguro médico para los jinetes y los jinetes de ejercicio.

“Los jinetes no habían recibido ningun levanto en honorarios de montajes perdedores desde 1985 a excepción por un levanto de $5 dólares” dijo Meyocks.  “Negociaciones para aumentos comenzó mucho antes de el descenso económico.  En todos los casos, hemos tratado de ser justos y razonables a los dueños y haber ajustado honorarios de montajes perdedores basados en niveles de monedero.

“Queremos que todos los segmentos de la industria sepan que el Jockeys’ Guild y sus miembros jinetes quieren ser parte de la solución con los desafíos de las carreras y trabajar con todos los segmentos de la industria para vencer cualquier obstáculo que podemos afrontar,” dijo Meyocks.  “Los jinetes se han sentido bienvenidos y han disfrutado de la interacción con los otros miembros de industria.   Ellos tienen ganas de seguir siendo una parte del proceso.  Yo pienso que la Asamblea ha sido informativa para los jinetes y cada uno más que asisteo.  Me gustaría agradecer a los jinetes, todos los presentadores  y al Programa de la Universidad de Arizona de Industria de Hipódromos por su ayuda en la organización de este acontecimiento.”

Póngase en contacto:      Jockeys Guild

                                    (859) 305-0606