A benefit board has been established to oversee the Delaware Jockey's Health and Welfare Fund. Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner signed the bill into law Aug. 23.

Delaware Park and the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, through its purse account, fund the $350,000-a-year program equally. Board members will represent racetrack management, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, horsemen, the local jockey colony, and the Jockeys' Guild. It will have five members appointed by the racing commission.

Racing officials attended the bill signing. Bernard Daney, who chairs the racing commission, recognized the need for jockeys to have premium health care and benefits.