In the late 1930s, jockeys began meeting secretly to discuss creating an organization that could support riders injured on the track and the families of those killed. Some jockeys were punished simply for being suspected of attending these meetings.

 The years leading up to 1940 were filled with frustration, danger, and a lack of protection for jockeys.

Riders faced:

• Widespread misuse of power
• No medical coverage
• No financial support for injured riders or their families
• Unsafe working conditions
• Blacklisting for speaking up

The Guild’s original constitution required good standing members to:



• Maintain a valid, unrevoked jockey's license
• Pay dues of $30 per year + 25 cents per mount

Why it started: Jockeys faced widespread misuse of power and minimal support from track management.

Trigger Event: Injury of Sammy Renick; Eddie Arcaro and Renick discussed forming an organization to protect riders.

Founding Fathers: Eddie Arcaro, Don Meade, John Longden, Lester Haas, Alfred Robertson, Lester Balaski, Charlie Kurtsinger, Carroll Bierman, Ray Workman, Harry Richards, Irving Anderson, John “Red” Pollard, Maurice Peters, George Seabo, Sam Renick.

Objectives:  Financial aid for members, foster morale, support fair play, uphold horse racing interests, provide assistance in case of misfortune. 

Presidents: Harry Richards (1940-1943), Sterling Young (1943-1948), Eddie Arcaro (1946-1961)

Challenges: Several jockey fatalities on-track underscored the need for safety reforms. 

Accomplishments:

• Insurance for jockeys purchased by tracks
• Ambulances on-site at some racetracks
• Jockey mount fees increased
• Improved jockey room sanitation

President: Eddie Arcaro (1949-1961)

Accomplishments:

• Uniform apprentice rule adopted
• Caliente Safety Helmet introduced
• Aluminum gooseneck rails implemented
• Film patrol utilized
• Increased insurance benefits for jockeys 

Presidents: Eddie Arcaro (1949-1961), Sam Boulmetis Sr. (1961-1967), William Boland (1967-1969), Walter Blum (1969-1975)

Accomplishments:

• Savings plan for jockeys
• Mount fees raised
• Safety conditions and jockey quarters improved 

Presidents:  Walter Blum (1969-1975), Bill Shoemaker (1975-1988)

Accomplishments:

• Enhanced insurance, on-track ambulances, and safety helmets
• Compensation for injured jockeys
• Safer racing surfaces
• Representation with horsemen and track management 

Presidents:  Bill Shoemaker (1975-1989), Jerry Bailey (1989-1995)

Accomplishments:

• Philanthropists Leonard and Bernice Lavin launched a major initiative to fund a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind study of injuries and health conditions affecting workers in the horse racing industry, with a special emphasis on jockeys and exercise riders. Their commitment was aimed at advancing prevention, improving medical treatment standards, and elevating care for the entire racing community.
• The Lavin's commitment and funding created The National Jockey Injury Study (1987–1990) and secured collaboration with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to systematically study roughly 3,500 riders, identifying and classifying racing-related injuries and illnesses. The findings became the foundation for ASTM/SEI helmet and vest standards and helped drive the Jockeys’ Guild’s push for mandatory safety equipment.
• Introduction of safety vests
• Covered gooseneck safety rails
• Increased insurance benefits and coverage for personal items 
• Legal victories for worker protections and mount fees 

modern safety initiatives

Presidents: Jerry Bailey (1989-1995), Gary Stevens (1995-1999)

Accomplishments:

• Enhanced personal safety vests (flak jackets)
• Improved helmets
• Inauguration of All-Star Jockey Championship 

reorganization & Leadership transition

Presidents:  Pat Day (2000-2001)

Chairpersons: John Velazquez (Chair, 2006-2017)(Co-Chair, 2018-2025)

Challenges:

• Lack of adequate on-track accident insurance coverage
• In January of 2005, an investigation began into the Guild regarding management practices and finances after a series of events, including the catastrophic injury of Gary Birzer, which gave rise to the the inadequacy of on-track accident insurance for jockeys. Congressional Hearings were held beginning in October 2005. 
• Financial instability leading to 2007 bankruptcy
• Loss of organizational credibility and member trust
• Limited governance structure and inconsistent leadership
• Lack of unified voice for jockeys across racing jurisdictions

Accomplishments:

• In 2007, relocated the national office back to Lexington, KY, to strengthen integration with industry partners and the racing community
• Organizational restructuring following bankruptcy
• Establishment of stronger governance and financial oversight
• Financial reorganization of the jockeys’ savings accounts, preserving jockey funds through the 2007 bankruptcy
• Rebuilding industry relationships and stakeholder confidence
• Renewed focus on jockey health, safety, and welfare programs
• Transitioned to a more member-driven leadership model
• Advanced safety equipment testing
• Advocacy for permanently disabled jockeys
• Worked with Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) to create the California Jockey Welfare Corporation in 2007, which has led to other health insurance opportunities for qualified jockeys states such as Delaware, New Jersey and New York.
• In 2007, the Guild was instrumental in passing legislation in California for a a retirement plan for qualified jockeys.
• In 2008, collaborated with The Jockey Club and other industry leaders to eliminate the leather poppers and provide for cushioned riding crops, benefiting equine welfare

stability, safety, & Growth

Chairpersons: John Velazquez (Chair, 2006-2017,Co-Chair, 2018-2025), Mike E. Smith (Co-Chair, 2018 - Present)

Challenges:

• Standardizing safety protocols across racetracks
• Ensuring consistent access to healthcare and benefits
• Strengthening membership engagement nationwide
• Adapting to evolving industry regulations and technologies

Accomplishments:

• Stabilization of Guild operations and leadership continuity
• Expanded advocacy for improved helmet and safety vest standards
• Increased focus on concussion awareness and injury protocols
• Growth in member services, including health and financial support programs
• More structured governance and consistent annual assemblies
• Strengthened role as the unified voice for professional jockeys
• In 2017, the Guild established the Jockey Retirement Saving K Plan through TransAmerica for all Guild members
• Negotiated increased mount fees
• Expanded life insurance and health reimbursement
  

modernization & member access

Chairpersons: John Velazquez (Chair, 2006-2017, Co-Chair, 2018 - 2025),  Mike E. Smith (Co-Chair, 2018 - Present), Javier Castellano (Co-Chair, 2026-Present)

Challenges:

• Industry disruption and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Addressing mental health and long-term rider wellness
• Navigating industry changes and evolving safety expectations
• Federal legislation, known as the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act, led to creation of HISA
• Improving accessibility and communication with members
• Engaging a new generation of jockeys in Guild leadership

Accomplishments:

• Securing increased losing mount fees throughout the majority of the country, with many scales receiving fourth place incentive.
• Continued representation with HISA, Stewards, Regulators, and Horsemen's organizations.
• Improved access to benefits, insurance information, and safety updates
• Expanded mental health resources and wellness support initiatives, including the availability of Onrise to our members.
• Ongoing efforts to increase the scale of weights and provide nutrition education, which has led to the hiring of a sports nutritionist for jockey-specific advisement.
• Continued advancement of rider safety standards and advocacy
• Transitioned Board leadership, integrating future leaders with veteran jockeys
• Creation of Jockeys' Guild Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization
• Launch of enhanced digital platforms for member access and communication