The New York Task Force on Jockey Health and Safety, formed in 2013, was created to “assess, investigate and research issues involving safety and health of jockeys who regularly race at the Thoroughbred racetracks in New York State.” The task force, comprised of seven Governor-appointees includes various professionals from the racing industry, including attorneys, jockeys, and risk management professionals and is tasked to evaluate the current status of jockey benefits, including “health, life, disability, pension, or other similar benefits” and how the racing industry can assist with planning for the health and welfare of jockeys and their families in New York state.
The task force notably includes Ramon Dominguez, a prominent rider who has earned numerous racing accolades before sustaining career-ending head injuries in a January 2013 accident at the Aqueduct Racetrack.
Although jockeys in New York state are provided with workers’ compensation coverage from a special fund, the issue of funding of health insurance premiums remains a significant issue and is a primary one to be addressed by the Task Force. Other issues to expected to be addressed will include the definition of a “New York jockey,” safety equipment, and accident response times.
The task force met in early February and a report is expected to be issued in the spring of 2014.
For additional information, visit the NY Gaming Commission and the Daily Racing Form.