MEMBER Benefits
—How Membership helps you
The Value of Membership
Whether you are a professional jockey ready to join or a member of the racing community seeking to learn more, this page is your gateway to everything the Jockeys’ Guild offers.
The Jockeys’ Guild offers membership categories designed to support jockeys at different stages of their careers while maintaining a strong and unified voice for riders across the United States. Membership dues help fund the Guild’s advocacy efforts, member services, and programs that protect jockey safety, health, and financial well-being.
Explore the full range of membership benefits, hear directly from fellow jockeys, and see how the Guild continues to advocate for safety, fairness, and opportunity across the sport.
Our work is ongoing.
Our commitment is unwavering.
Together, we move racing forward.
MEMBERSHIP benefits
The Jockeys’ Guild is the only national organization advocating exclusively for the rights, safety, and welfare of professional jockeys.
Membership provides riders with access to critical benefits, including:
- Representation with racetracks, regulators, and industry leadership!
- Continued safety advocacy and improved working conditions.
- Increased Losing Mount Fees!
- Access to comprehensive insurance and retirement benefits at significant cost savings through guild group‑rate contracts not typically available to individuals: AD&D and life insurance, participation in the health & welfare reimbursement program, and temporary and permanent disability benefits (when eligible).
- Retirement plan options include the Jockey Retirement Savings K Plan and other state‑specific retirement plans.
- Access to mental health and wellbeing resources.
- Free Jockey Education to support your professional career and build your skillset.
- Attend Jockeys' Guild Annual Assembly, hosted virtually each January.
- Vote in Jockeys' Guild elections- your voice matters!
MEMBERSHIP Levels & Dues
The Jockeys’ Guild offers membership categories designed to support jockeys throughout their careers—from their active riding years through retirement. Membership dues help sustain the Guild’s advocacy, safety initiatives, and programs that protect the health, welfare, and financial stability of professional jockeys.
Active Rider Membership
Active members receive full access to Guild representation, resources, and programs designed to support riders both on and off the track.
DUES:
- Annual dues are $100, paid at the beginning of each calendar year
- Designated mount fees.
ELIGIBILITY:

Professional jockeys who meet the Guild’s membership requirements are invited to apply for Active Membership. Becoming a member connects riders with the Guild’s advocacy efforts, benefits, resources, and programs designed to support jockeys throughout their careers.
To qualify, an applicant must:
- Hold a valid jockey license issued by a recognized racing authority.
- Have ridden at least one mount in a flat race at a recognized racetrack in the United States within the 12 calendar months preceding the date the membership application is received by the Guild office.
- Be in good standing with the Guild, as determined by the Board of Directors.
RETIRED RIDER MEMBERSHIP
Why Maintaining Your Guild Membership Benefits You in Retirement
As a Retired Member, jockeys stay connected to the Guild and can continue to access select member programs—like the life insurance benefit—available at an excellent rate.
When a jockey retires from active race riding, the Guild office will help complete the process to change the member’s status from "Active Member" to "Retired Member."
ELIGIBILITY:
Jockeys who were members of the Guild during their active racing careers may elect to continue their membership after retiring from race riding.
DUES:
Retired members may choose between the following options:
- Retired Membership with Life Insurance:
$105 annually ($25 membership dues, $80 insurance premium)
- Retired Membership without Life Insurance: $25 annually
- Retired 50-year Membership: Membership Dues waived, $80 insurance premium (upon qualification)
Permanently Disabled Membership
A Disabled Membership designation is available to Active Guild members who are unable to continue racing due to a permanent disabling injury sustained in a racetrack accident.
This status allows injured riders to remain connected to the Guild and maintain access to applicable programs and support services.
If an Active Member becomes permanently disabled as the result of a racetrack accident, the Guild office will work directly with the jockey to obtain the necessary documentation and assist in updating the member’s membership designation.
DUES:
Membership dues are waived for this membership level.
ELIGIBILITY:
Active Riding Members who sustain a permanent disability due to a racetrack accident and satisfy all medical criteria as determined by the Jockeys’ Guild.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:
Jockeys' Guild and the PDJF (Permanently Disabled Jockey's Fund) are two separate organizations, with different benefits and different eligibility requirements for benefits.
You may reach out to the PDFJ office directly to inquire about their program:
- Website: www.pdjf.org
- Phone: 859-888-1654
- Email: info@pdjf.org
how to apply
Applying for membership is straightforward. Once eligibility requirements are met, applicants may submit their materials to the Guild office for review.
Step 1:
Complete the Membership Application & Forms
Step 2:
Provide required supporting documentation
Step 3:
Submit payment of initial membership dues
After review and approval, new members will gain access to Guild resources, programs, and representation.
mEMBER BENEFIT COVERAGE & pROGRAM DETAILS
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
This program is funded by the Guild managed through The Hartford Group Insurance Agency.
Your safety and security are a priority. As a Jockeys’ Guild member, you are provided with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance as part of your membership benefits, fully covered by your dues.
Explore the resources in this section to understand your coverage and how this benefit helps protect you and your family in the event of a serious accident.
AD&D Insurance Benefit Coverage Details
- Coverage in the amount of $10,000 to $125,000, depending on the number of mounts they have ridden and contributed on during the previous calendar year and the severity of the injury sustained.
- This coverage applies to on-track accidents AND 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to any other covered accidents off of the track.
- Under the AD&D policy, members will also be eligible to receive benefits under a Travel Assistance Program, the possibility of an accelerated benefit as well as other services provided by Hartford Group.
| Mounts Contributed On to the Guild in the Prior Year | Llife Insurance Coverage Amount |
|---|---|
| 1-50 | $10,000 |
| 51-100 | $50,000 |
| 101-500 | $100,000 |
| 501 & Up | $125,000 |
| Over 10,000 lifetime mounts and 50 mounts contributed annually | $100,000 |
TEMPORARY DISABILITY Benefit
This program is funded and managed through the Guild.
All active members are potentially eligible for Temporary Disability in the event they are injured during a racing accident and they qualify under the requirements of the temporary disability guidelines.
Temporary Disability Benefit Details
When temporarily disabled due to on-track accidents, jockeys are eligible for:
- Up to $250 per week for the first 8 weeks
- After 8 weeks, the jockey is eligible for $200 per week for the remaining time the rider is out on injury, for a maximum of 2 years (104 weeks).
New and Rejoining Members
Temporary Disability benefits are pro-rated until you have contributed on 100 mounts.
- After your first mount, you are eligible for 20% coverage, up to 20 mounts.
- Once you exceed 20 mounts, your eligibility increases to match the actual percentage of mounts you have ridden and contributed on.
- Full eligibility is reached after contributions on 100 mounts.
Life Insurance
This program is funded by the Guild managed through The Hartford Group Insurance Agency.
Protecting your family’s future is an essential part of long-term planning.
Understand your coverage options and how this benefit can provide financial support and peace of mind for your loved ones.
- Active members are eligible for a term life insurance benefit in the amount of $10,000 to $125,000, depending on the number of mounts they have ridden and contributed on during the previous calendar year.
- Retired members
are eligible for a term life insurance benefit in the amount of $15,000. The current rate is $80/year, paid with your annual dues.
This program is funded and managed through the Guild.
Supporting your health is an investment in your career. As a Jockeys’ Guild member, you may receive an annual Health Savings Reimbursement based on your number of mounts and mount fees at participating racetracks. This program is managed by the Guild and distributed for use toward approved medical expenses.
Explore the resources in this section to learn how the program works, including eligible expenses such as copays, medications, vitamins, and supplements, and the receipt documentation required to access your benefit.
health and welfare Reimbursement Program
Health Reimbursement Benefits Explained
The Jockeys’ Guild has Industry Partnership Agreements that provide for reimbursement programs with the racetracks listed below.
Qualifying riders who ride at such racetracks are entitled to receive reimbursements for health care insurance and/or medical expenses for themselves and their dependents or for temporary disability insurance premiums, up to the determined amount. The amount changes annually.
A jockey will be eligible to receive the reimbursement benefit if he or she rides the specified amount, as determined by the agreement, during the designated calendar year. In order to receive the reimbursement benefit, the jockey will need to submit receipts of “out of pocket expenses” (bills that have already been paid) for the jockey, spouse, and/or dependent(s).
Participating Race Tracks:
Arapahoe Park
Canterbury Downs
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) -
Churchill Downs
Colonial Downs
Ellis Park
Fair Grounds
Presque Isle
Turfway Park
Del Mar
Finger Lakes
Fonner Park
Global Gaming-
Lone Star Park
Remington Park
Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino
Keeneland

Los Alamitos
Maryland Jockey Club-
Laurel Park
Pimlico
NYRA -
Aqueduct
Belmont
Saratoga
Oaklawn
Prairie Meadows
1\ST Racing -
Gulfstream Park
Santa Anita
This program is funded and managed through the Guild.
Supporting your health is an investment in your career. As a Jockeys’ Guild member, you may receive an annual Health Savings Reimbursement based on your number of mounts and mount fees at participating racetracks. This program is managed by the Guild and distributed for use toward approved medical expenses.
Explore the resources in this section to learn how the program works, including eligible expenses such as copays, medications, vitamins, and supplements, and the receipt documentation required to access your benefit.
health and welfare Reimbursement Program
Health Reimbursement Benefits Explained
The Jockeys’ Guild has Industry Partnership Agreements that provide for reimbursement programs with the racetracks listed below.
Qualifying riders who ride at such racetracks are entitled to receive reimbursements for health care insurance and/or medical expenses for themselves and their dependents or for temporary disability insurance premiums, up to the determined amount. The amount changes annually.
A jockey will be eligible to receive the reimbursement benefit if he or she rides the specified amount, as determined by the agreement, during the designated calendar year. In order to receive the reimbursement benefit, the jockey will need to submit receipts of “out of pocket expenses” (bills that have already been paid) for the jockey, spouse, and/or dependent(s).
Participating Race Tracks:
Arapahoe Park
Canterbury Downs
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) -
Churchill Downs
Colonial Downs
Ellis Park
Fair Grounds
Presque Isle
Turfway Park
Del Mar
Finger Lakes
Fonner Park
Global Gaming-
Lone Star Park
Remington Park
Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino
Keeneland

Los Alamitos
Maryland Jockey Club-
Laurel Park
Pimlico
NYRA -
Aqueduct
Belmont
Saratoga
Oaklawn
Prairie Meadows
1\ST Racing -
Gulfstream Park
Santa Anita
This program is funded and managed through the Guild.
Supporting your health is an investment in your career. As a Jockeys’ Guild member, you may receive an annual Health Savings Reimbursement based on your number of mounts and mount fees at participating racetracks. This program is managed by the Guild and distributed for use toward approved medical expenses.
Explore the resources in this section to learn how the program works, including eligible expenses such as copays, medications, vitamins, and supplements, and the receipt documentation required to access your benefit.
health and welfare Reimbursement Program
Health Reimbursement Benefits Explained
The Jockeys’ Guild has Industry Partnership Agreements that provide for reimbursement programs with the racetracks listed below.
Qualifying riders who ride at such racetracks are entitled to receive reimbursements for health care insurance and/or medical expenses for themselves and their dependents or for temporary disability insurance premiums, up to the determined amount. The amount changes annually.
A jockey will be eligible to receive the reimbursement benefit if he or she rides the specified amount, as determined by the agreement, during the designated calendar year. In order to receive the reimbursement benefit, the jockey will need to submit receipts of “out of pocket expenses” (bills that have already been paid) for the jockey, spouse, and/or dependent(s).
Click on the next section to see all eligible tracks and required mounts for eligibility.
Eligible Racetracks and Required Mounts
To qualify, a jockey must:
- Meet the required number of mounts during the designated calendar year as outlined in the agreement.
- Must submit documentation of eligible “out-of-pocket expenses” (paid bills) incurred for themselves, their spouse, and/or dependent(s).
| Tracks | TB Mounts | QH Mounts |
|---|---|---|
| Churchill Downs / Fair Grounds / Presque Isle Downs / Turfway Park / Colonial Downs / Ellis Park | 100 | — |
| Aqueduct / Belmont Park / Saratoga (NYRA) | 200 | — |
| Laurel Park / Pimlico (MJC) | 75 | — |
| Santa Anita Park / Gulfstream Park (1/ST Racing) | 100 | — |
| Arapahoe | 50 | — |
| Canterbury Park | 60 | 25 |
| Del Mar | 50 | — |
| Finger Lakes | 100 | — |
| Horseshoe Indianapolis | 100 | 50 |
| Keeneland | 50 | — |
| Lone Star Park | 50 | 50 |
| Los Alamitos | 50 | 100 |
| Oaklawn Park | 100 | — |
| Prairie Meadows | 100 | 50 |
| Remington Park | 100 | 100 |
This program is funded and managed through the Guild.
Supporting your health is an investment in your career. As a Jockeys’ Guild member, you may receive an annual Health Savings Reimbursement based on your number of mounts and mount fees at participating racetracks. This program is managed by the Guild and distributed for use toward approved medical expenses.
Explore the resources in this section to learn how the program works, including eligible expenses such as copays, medications, vitamins, and supplements, and the receipt documentation required to access your benefit.
health and welfare Reimbursement Program
Health Reimbursement Benefits Explained
The Jockeys’ Guild has Industry Partnership Agreements that provide for reimbursement programs with the racetracks listed below.
Qualifying riders who ride at such racetracks are entitled to receive reimbursements for health care insurance and/or medical expenses for themselves and their dependents or for temporary disability insurance premiums, up to the determined amount. The amount changes annually.
A jockey will be eligible to receive the reimbursement benefit if he or she rides the specified amount, as determined by the agreement, during the designated calendar year. In order to receive the reimbursement benefit, the jockey will need to submit receipts of “out of pocket expenses” (bills that have already been paid) for the jockey, spouse, and/or dependent(s).
Participating Race Tracks:
Arapahoe Park
Canterbury Downs
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) -
Churchill Downs
Colonial Downs
Ellis Park
Fair Grounds
Presque Isle
Turfway Park
Del Mar
Finger Lakes
Fonner Park
Global Gaming-
Lone Star Park
Remington Park
Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino
Keeneland

Los Alamitos
Maryland Jockey Club-
Laurel Park
Pimlico
NYRA -
Aqueduct
Belmont
Saratoga
Oaklawn
Prairie Meadows
1\ST Racing -
Gulfstream Park
Santa Anita
Permanently Disabled Benefits
This program is funded and managed through the Guild.
The Jockeys’ Guild is committed to supporting members who have sustained career-ending injuries while riding. Members who are deemed permanently disabled as a result of an on-track accident may qualify for continued benefits designed to provide ongoing financial and medical support.
Eligible permanently disabled members receive access to benefits such as life insurance coverage, reimbursement of certain medical and prescription costs, and assistance with approved medical equipment. In addition, qualifying members receive a waiver of annual Guild dues.
All eligibility determinations are subject to review and approval based on established medical criteria and Guild requirements.
Understanding the difference: Jockeys' Guild vs. PDJF
Understanding the Difference:
Jockeys’ Guild & PDJF
The Jockeys’ Guild and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) serve complementary but distinct roles in supporting jockeys.
The Jockeys’ Guild is a membership organization that provides a broad range of benefits to active, retired, and qualifying permanently disabled members, including temporary disability support, insurance coverage, and member services.
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to jockeys—regardless of Guild membership—who have sustained catastrophic, career-ending on-track injuries. This support typically includes monthly stipends and certain medical-related reimbursements.
While both organizations are dedicated to the welfare of jockeys, their programs, eligibility requirements, and benefit structures are separate.
The Jockeys’ Guild actively supports and collaborates with PDJF efforts, particularly through industry engagement and fundraising.
rETIREMENT plan options
This optional benefit is available at participating tracks and managed through Transamerica
Planning for the future starts today. As a Jockeys’ Guild member, you are eligible to participate in the Jockeys Retirement Savings K Plan.
- All active Guild members have the option to enroll.
- Contribute individually, -or-
- Ride at a racetrack who has adopted the benefit, allowing for a certain dollar amount to be deducted from members paycheck on a per mount basis.
JOCKEY'S RETIREMENT SAVINGS K PLAN DETAILS
After a comprehensive search and due diligence, Jockeys’ Guild partnered with well-known retirement industry providers to offer The Jockeys Retirement Savings K Plan, powered by TAG Resources, LLC, the largest “end to end” retirement plan provider in the United States.
The Jockeys Retirement Savings K Plan is a solution for self-employed business owners that allows you to maximize your pre-tax / after-tax savings, while reducing your administrative burden, transferring fiduciary risks, and potentially reducing costs.
Sponsoring and maintaining a retirement plan can be challenging. The Jockeys Retirement Savings K Plan brings together a team of professionals on your behalf so you can focus on running your career, not your retirement plan. When you participate in a plan through The Jockeys Retirement Savings K Plan you leverage the assets of all the plans in the TAG Program and utilize the best professionals in the retirement field to run your plan.
The Guild office does not manage enrollment. If you are interested in participating or learning more, contact:
Matthew Banks
Intermediate Client Onboarding Manager | TAG Plan Services
Phone 865-562-4716
Review instructions here about setting up your Transamerica online account, or click on the link below to begin the process.
Explore TransAmerica's planning tools, resources, educational videos, and more.
PARTICIPATING TRACKS- Jockeys' Retirement K Plan
| Jockey Retirement Savings K Plan Participating Tracks |
|---|
| Aqueduct (NYRA) |
| Belmont (NYRA) |
| Churchill Downs (CDI) |
| Colonial Downs (CDI) |
| Ellis Park (CDI) |
| Fair Grounds (CDI) |
| Gulfstream |
| Hawthorne |
| Keeneland |
| Louisiana HBPA |
| Monmouth Park |
| Oaklawn |
| Parx |
| Prairie Meadows |
| Presque Isle (CDI) |
| Saratoga (NYRA) |
| Turfway Park (CDI) |
California Retirement Plan Info & Eligibility
For information about the California Retirement Plan benefits and eligibility, please reach out to:
Darrell Haire- Jockeys' Guild Regional Manager
additional benefits
offered through the hartford Group
The following benefits are additional offerings available to Guild members at no additional cost.
Since the Guild has an established contract with The Hartford for Life Insurance and AD&D coverage, these value added services are passed along to members.
Please Note:
- The Guild office does not manage these benefits.
- All questions about the benefits should be directed to The Hartford.
- Click on the button beneath each benefit to read more details and obtain contact information.
Travel Assistance
If you need pre-trip information, emergency medical assistance or personal assistance while traveling, Travel Assistance can help.
ABILITY ASSIST COUNSELING SERVICES
From everyday issues like job pressures, relationships and retirement planning to highly impactful issues like grief, loss, and disability, Ability Assist is your resource for professional support.
Health Champion
HealthChampion provides personalized, one-on-one support to help members navigate the complexities of health care during challenging times. Through expert administrative and clinical guidance, members receive help understanding their benefits, managing claims and billing, estimating costs, and accessing the right care and resources. The program also offers preparation for medical visits, clear explanations of diagnoses and treatment options, and coordination with providers—so members can focus on recovery while reducing stress around health care decisions.
Bereavement & Family Support Services
This benefit provides compassionate support to members and their families during times of loss. Through a dedicated platform and trained professionals, it offers guidance with funeral planning, will preparation, estate and probate processes, and account management. Members also have access to grief counseling and identity protection resources—helping ease the emotional and administrative burden so families can focus on honoring their loved one.
Life Benefit Support Services
In addition to life insurance coverage, this benefit provides members and their loved ones with access to comprehensive support services during life’s most difficult moments. Through personalized guidance and a dedicated Care Manager, families receive assistance with will preparation, funeral planning, estate and probate processes, and important administrative tasks like account management. These services combine compassionate support with practical tools, helping loved ones navigate loss with clarity and confidence.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JOCKEYS' GUILD
WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY ABOUT THE GUILD
Testimonials
With all of the issues we are facing today, jockeys must stand together. In order to accomplish what is in the best interest of the jockeys, including protecting our rights and increasing benefits such as increased pay scales, the Jockeys’ Guild is the only way for us to be united. However, that requires the participation and involvement of all our members. Our strength is in numbers and the Guild has been providing for us for over eighty-six years.
Mike Smith
Hall of Fame Jockey
Co-Chairman of Jockeys' Guild
It is critical that jockeys have a place at the table when industry groups discuss the future of the sport. The Guild gives the jockeys just that – a national voice that is guided by consensus rather than just one person’s opinion. The Guild speaks with one voice in the best interest of all jockeys.
John Velazquez
Hall of Fame Jockey
Former Chairman of Jockeys’ Guild
“I have been a member of the Jockeys’ Guild since I first started riding in the U.S. The Jockeys’ Guild is the jockey. It’s beneficial for all jockeys to be a member.”
Laffit Pincay, jr.
The Guild plays a critical role for jockeys in many areas nationally, but none more important than safety. The Guild has been in the forefront from the testing and development of improved safety equipment to raising the minimum standards of aftercare.
New equipment and cutting edge treatment are being explored by the Guild, something none of us could do on our own yet something that could benefit each and every one of us.”
G. R. Carter
Retired Quarter Horse Hall of Fame Jockey
Former Vice-Chairman of Jockeys’ Guild
This program is funded and managed through the Guild.
Supporting your health is an investment in your career. As a Jockeys’ Guild member, you may receive an annual Health Savings Reimbursement based on your number of mounts and mount fees at participating racetracks. This program is managed by the Guild and distributed for use toward approved medical expenses.
Explore the resources in this section to learn how the program works, including eligible expenses such as copays, medications, vitamins, and supplements, and the receipt documentation required to access your benefit.
health and welfare Reimbursement Program
Health Reimbursement Benefits Explained
The Jockeys’ Guild has Industry Partnership Agreements that provide for reimbursement programs with the racetracks listed below.
Qualifying riders who ride at such racetracks are entitled to receive reimbursements for health care insurance and/or medical expenses for themselves and their dependents or for temporary disability insurance premiums, up to the determined amount. The amount changes annually.
A jockey will be eligible to receive the reimbursement benefit if he or she rides the specified amount, as determined by the agreement, during the designated calendar year. In order to receive the reimbursement benefit, the jockey will need to submit receipts of “out of pocket expenses” (bills that have already been paid) for the jockey, spouse, and/or dependent(s).
Participating Race Tracks:
Arapahoe Park
Canterbury Downs
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) -
Churchill Downs
Colonial Downs
Ellis Park
Fair Grounds
Presque Isle
Turfway Park
Del Mar
Finger Lakes
Fonner Park
Global Gaming-
Lone Star Park
Remington Park
Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino
Keeneland

Los Alamitos
Maryland Jockey Club-
Laurel Park
Pimlico
NYRA -
Aqueduct
Belmont
Saratoga
Oaklawn
Prairie Meadows
1\ST Racing -
Gulfstream Park
Santa Anita
