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A racing industry success story

Jan 15th, 10
Once known as a group mired in controversy, debate, and scandal, the Jockeys’ Guild has garnered much-needed new management and support in recent years to turn things around and work toward creating a better future for its members.

From 2001 to 2007, it seemed the organization, which had been tainted by the

poor leadership and spending habits of then-manager Dr. Wayne Gertmenian, was in constant dispute with many other industry groups. But just when members must have felt

they would never see light at the end of the tunnel, along came Terry Meyocks, who

assumed the management position after Gertmenian left in 2007.

Having declared bankruptcy, the organization began to reconstruct itself, piece by piece, and slowly regained credibility and trust from owners, trainers, and tracks. Retired jockey Jerry Bailey, along with several other members that had resigned, rejoined the organization in 2008.

For years the New York Racing Association, along with some other racetracks, had discontinued its support of the Guild due to conflict within the organization,

but in 2008 the New York franchise was back on board. NYRA contributed more

than $200,000 to the Guild in 2009 and was joined by others such as Churchill

Downs and Magna Entertainment, which also donated significant funds.

Slowly but surely climbing out of debt, the Guild is also coming through on its

promises to help members with temporary disabilities and life insurance. With continued increased financial stability, the organization plans to eventually offer health

insurance to its members again. The Guild terminated its insurance program in 2007.

Working with local horsemen’s organizations, the Guild realized a milestone in

2009 when it was successful in raising losing mount fees in about 20 jurisdictions.

Another positive steppingstone was implementing new safety initiatives through the

2008 launch of the Internet-based InCompass medical records program.

With an eye toward the future, the Guild is also making steady progress in cooperation

with the Association of Racing Commissioners International to develop and

improve model rules for racetracks in the areas of jockey health and safety.

Still another positive program the Guild is involved with is the Permanently Disabled

Jockeys’ Fund. While the PDJF was formed outside of the Guild, the two organizations closely support one another. While working with the PDJF last year, Guild members arranged a sponsorship deal with NetJets for the three Triple Crown races, which benefited the PDJF, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, The Jockey Club Foundation, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Backstretch Employee Service Team. In addition, the William Stamps Farish Fund donated $1 million to the PDJF, and Farish is helping to raise $10-$12 million to endow a fund that will provide continuous support for disabled riders. Since 2008, Guild-arranged sponsorships have realized more than $1 million for charities. By Esther Marr/The Blood-Horse