The Jockeys' Guild Annual Assembly, sponsored by Betfair USA, will bring together Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys from around the country Dec. 11-12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.
This year's assembly will feature panels that will benefit not only jockeys, but racetracks and horsemen's organizations as well by addressing safety concerns and raising awareness regarding concussions and head injuries. The Jockeys' Guild welcomes and encourages all industry organizations to send a representative.
Such panels include:
Racing Toward A Safer Environment: helmets and vests with panelists which include Jeff Crandall from the University of Virginia who chairs the NFL Engineering Committee, and Terry Smith of Dynamic Research. Dr. Jason Cormier, who was named one of America's top neurosurgeons by Consumers Research Council of America's Guide to America's top surgeons, will join the helmet discussion.
Dr. Cormier also leads the team for Motorsports Safety Group. David Anderson, President & CEO of Phoenix Performance Products, will join the panel discussing vests.
After the Impact: facilitates comprehensive treatment and provides support for military veterans, professional athletes and their families, including jockeys. Eric Hipple, former Detroit Lions quarterback, will speak to the assembly on behalf of After the Impact. The Guild has been able to work with After the Impact because of funding from The Stronach Group.
Concussion Protocol and Return-to-Ride Guidelines: presented by Dr. Carl Mattacola of the University of Kentucky. These guidelines have been approved by the Jockeys' Guild Board of Directors, but have not yet been adopted by our industry. Dr. Kelly Ryan of MedStar Sports Medicine will address issues relating to a jockey's well-being.
The Assembly will hear from other speakers and have updates from representatives of Betfair USA, the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, Duralock, Horsemen's Track & Equipment, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, as well as an update on Jockeys' Guild member benefits.
The annual awards luncheon will be Tuesday afternoon at the MGM Grand when the Eddie Arcaro Award will be presented to Belinda Stronach of The Stronach Group, the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award to Mike Smith, the Jacky Martin Award to Ricky Ramirez and the Ron Turcotte Courage Award to Tad Leggett and Jack Fires. A closed session for members only will take place after the luncheon.
"Betfair and TVG are excited to be extending our longstanding relationship with the Guild and supporting its annual meeting," said Jeff Lowich, Director of Industry Relations for Betfair/TVG. "The Guild and its members consistently work to grow the audience for our game. The riders are more accessible and welcoming to fans and media than any group of professional athletes. TVG is proud to both help raise awareness for and provide financial support for safety issues affecting riders. We appreciate the leadership position the Guild has taken on these issues and we look forward to working together to launch our PDJF Telethons beginning in the spring of next year."
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