Jockeys’ Guild to Focus on Non-Participating Tracks in 2012

Feb 2nd, 12
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Jan. 31, 2012) – The Jockeys’ Guild membership has renewed its call for all thoroughbred and quarter horse racetracks to contribute to the Guild to help pay for critically needed insurance benefits such as life insurance, AD&D insurance, temporary disability and other benefits for jockeys.

Riders called ‘rock stars’ at annual Assembly

 The Guild decision to focus in 2012 on educating the industry and the public about tracks that are not participating was made during the 2012 Jockeys’ Guild Annual Assembly, held in Ft. Lauderdale.

“The challenges of the past several months concerning track participation has really unified the Guild,” said John Velazquez, chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild. “It’s become clear that some tracks have been shirking their responsibilities and riding on the backs of other tracks who are contributing.  Now that the Stronach Group, NYRA and CDI have reached an agreement with the Guild, it’s time for other tracks, such as those owned by PNGI, to live up to their moral obligations to jockey health and safety.”

The issue was shown in more human terms during a videotaped interview with Jacky Martin, the award-winning quarter horse jockey who was injured on the track last September, showing his progress toward recovery.  In addition, Nancy Lasala, executive director of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, an independent charitable program that assists disabled jockeys, explained the financial hardships being experienced by injured riders and the consistent shortage of funding for their ongoing living expenses and long-term care. 

Also, Dr. Dalton Dietrich, Scientific Director of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami, explained the new advancements in spinal cord injuries, including stem cell researchand how it will affect the future of the sport.

Velazquez said a highlight of the two-day session was a round-table session, conducted by the Guild board, to listen to ideas and concerns from the members concerning short-term and long-term revenue options, safety and unity.  “There was a spirited exchange, and a lot of great ideas and suggestions came out of this session,” said Velazquez.  “Now we will look for ways to implement many of these ideas for the benefit of our members.”

During the two-day session, members of the Guild heard from a variety of experts on insurance, regulations and health and safety issues.  Highlights of the Assembly included the following:

·       Tim Ritvo, Gulfstream Park President and General Manager, told the jockeys they were the “rock stars” of the industry, and encouraged them to continue to live up to the high ethical standards that are required of them.

·       Ed Martin, President and CEO of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, said the Guild “is on its way up,” and complimented members on their contributions to the sport.

·       Bobby Clarkson and Chip Atkins, of RH Clarkson Insurance Company, explained to members their current group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance package, as well as information on a workers’ compensation program.

·       Dennis Mills, of Racing Future, discussed ways to appeal to the “Millennial Generation,” and how young fans can better relate to jockeys. and the sport.

·       Members also learned about new equipment options and research, ongoing communications and lobbying efforts and plans to better showcase jockeys to the racing public.

During its awards luncheon, the Guild honored three men for their positive impact on the sport.  Jacky Martin was honored for outstanding achievements to the quarter horse industry. In the future, that award will carry his name.  DeShawn Parker received the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award for outstanding achievements for a thoroughbred jockey.  Dave Hicks, retired steward, was presented the Eddie Arcaro Award for exceptional commitment to the Guild.

The Guild membership also re-elected John Velazquez as chairman and G.R. Carter as vice chairman.  Joel Campbell was chosen as the new Guild treasurer and Rodney Prescott is the newly elected secretary.

Velazquez called the Assembly a tremendous success.  “This was a great opportunity for riders to get together and learn more about what’s being done to help us, both personally and professionally.  Now it’s up to us to go back to our tracks and encourage more jockeys to join the Guild.”

Jockeys’ Guild, Inc., the organization representing professional jockeys in American Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing, was founded in May 1940 and has approximately 950 members, including active, retired and disabled jockeys. The purpose is to protect jockeys, strive to achieve a safer racing environment,  to obtain improved insurance and other benefits for members and to monitor developments in local, state and federal laws affecting the racing industry, and in particular, the jockeys.

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