The Thrilling World of Horse Racing: A Look at Jockeys and Their Safety
Horse racing is a sport that embodies both excitement and danger. With jockeys guiding powerful 1,000-pound horses at speeds reaching 40 miles per hour, the stakes are high, and the risks are palpable. This exhilarating sport is not for the faint of heart, and it demands a unique blend of skill, courage, and resilience from its athletes.
The Toughness of Jockeys
“Jockeys are some of the toughest and most impressive athletes I’ve worked with in my career,” says Dean Carl Mattacola of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s School of Health and Human Sciences. His admiration for jockeys stems from their ability to navigate the intense physical and mental challenges of horse racing. Despite their small stature, jockeys must possess exceptional strength, balance, and quick reflexes to control their mounts during the high-speed races.
The Need for Health Guidelines
Despite the inherent dangers of the sport, Mattacola points out that jockeys and horses have historically lacked consistent health and safety guidelines. This gap in oversight has raised concerns about the well-being of these athletes, particularly in light of the injuries that can occur during races. As a member of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), Mattacola is dedicated to changing this narrative. HISA, established following the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, aims to create and standardize health and safety protocols for both jockeys and horses.
Mattacola’s Role in HISA
As part of HISA’s Racetrack Safety Committee, Mattacola brings a wealth of experience as an athletic trainer and researcher in sports medicine. His expertise in neuromuscular control and concussion testing is invaluable in developing protocols that prioritize the health of jockeys. “It is a pleasure to serve HISA and improve sports medicine under the leadership of CEO Lisa Lazurus and Medical Director Dr. Peter Hester,” he shares. His commitment to advancing care for professional jockeys is evident in his ongoing efforts to implement effective safety measures.
A Decade of Advocacy
Mattacola’s passion for advocating for jockeys has been a driving force in his career for over a decade. His journey began with a realization that jockeys received less care and oversight than high school athletes. This disparity motivated him to conduct pioneering research on jockey injuries while at the University of Kentucky. “The challenge before HISA was that there was no national organization for horse racing,” he explains. This lack of oversight meant that injured jockeys could ride again without proper medical clearance, putting their health at risk.
Pioneering Concussion Protocols
Recognizing the need for standardized protocols, Mattacola shifted his focus to concussion management. He initiated a pilot program at Keeneland Race Track, where jockeys underwent standardized baseline testing for concussions. This comprehensive assessment included physical and neurological exams, clinical evaluations for cervical spine trauma, and balance tests. The success of this pilot program led to its expansion across multiple racetracks, with over 100 jockeys participating in the testing.
“I was one to advocate for standardized baseline assessment for concussions for jockeys,” he states. His efforts have brought much-needed attention to the importance of concussion protocols in a sport where injuries can have serious consequences.
Developing Comprehensive Safety Protocols
Mattacola’s findings from the pilot program have been instrumental in shaping HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program. His contributions include drafting guidelines that ensure ambulances are present at racetracks, health professionals are available to evaluate jockeys, and injury documentation is maintained. These protocols not only enhance the safety of jockeys but also benefit the horses they ride, as the two are intricately connected in the sport.
“A benefit of our work is that this standardization can help reduce both horse and human injuries,” he explains. The establishment of organized medical care across states is a significant step toward ensuring consistent treatment for jockeys, regardless of where they race.
Ongoing Efforts and Future Goals
Mattacola’s work aligns with the mission of UNCG’s School of Health and Human Sciences, which aims to provide essential resources related to human health. In October, he and his colleagues will participate in HISA’s International Jockey Concussion, Safety and Wellness Conference, where they will discuss strategies for athlete communication regarding mental health and safety.
While progress has been made, Mattacola acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. “There is more work that needs to be done examining epidemiological, biomechanical, and nutritional factors important for jockey health,” he notes. Additionally, he emphasizes the growing need for mental health care within the sport, recognizing that the pressures faced by jockeys extend beyond physical challenges.
The Human Experience in Horse Racing
The world of horse racing is a thrilling yet perilous arena where the health and safety of jockeys are paramount. Through the efforts of dedicated professionals like Carl Mattacola and organizations like HISA, strides are being made to create a safer environment for these remarkable athletes. As the sport continues to evolve, the focus on health and well-being will remain a critical component of its future.