The International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) was held in Hong Kong on 11-12 December, with global experts convening to discuss crucial issues.
The conference, organised by the Jockey Health and Wellbeing Committee (JHWC) of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), took place between the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on 10 December and the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) on 14 December.
Themed Performance Medicine in Racing – Developing and Protecting the Jockey, the conference took an applied, evidence-based approach featuring impactful presentations followed by dynamic panel discussions with leading experts in the field.
“The IFHA is extremely proud to be hosting the ICHSWJ, which represents one of the most important conversations taking place in racing today,” said IFHA Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the HKJC Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.
“Without jockeys – healthy, prepared, and properly supported – our sport cannot thrive. As administrators, regulators, trainers, owners, medical professionals and researchers, we have an obligation to ensure that the conditions in which jockeys train and compete are as safe, fair, and well-regulated as possible.”
“Jockey health, safety and welfare are all non-negotiable aspects of our sport,” JHWC Chair Darragh O’Loughlin said. “This year’s conference took a deep dive into a wide range of topics that play a crucial role in improving the lives of jockeys, while also facilitating meaningful networking opportunities between attendees from around the world.”
“While every sport places significant demands on its athletes at the highest level of competition, there are very few of them which demand as much from their athletes as racing does from its jockeys”, highlighted IFHA Executive Director and Executive Director, Racing of the HKJC Andrew Harding, during his welcome address.
“The health and wellbeing of jockeys is of paramount importance to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and everything the Club has done in this area is focused on continuous improvement for the benefit of jockeys. Over the past five years the Club has established a Centre of Excellence available for jockeys seven days a week, which provides them with facilities to hold sessions with various health professionals and engage with each other. The Club has also invested significantly in the emergency care provided to jockeys.”
Opportunities for networking, fostering connections and collaborations, and sharing valuable resources were also a key part of the event, and themed round-table discussions were held.
There was also a dedicated poster presentation session which provided delegates with the opportunity to showcase research, applied practice, country updates and current projects.
The conference was open to all those who worked with jockeys and are interested in further enhancing their health, safety and welfare.
Sessions topics included:
-Inside the Mind of the Jockey: Performance, Wellbeing, and Lessons from the Field.
-Fit to Ride: Physical Preparation and Rehabilitation for Jockey Performance.
-Advancing Safety in the Saddle: Injury Surveillance, Prevention, and Protective Innovations.
-From Turf to Recovery: The Concussion Journey in Horse Racing.
-Minimum Riding Weights: Towards a More Individualised and Evidence-Based Approach.
-On the Track: Live Outdoor Simulation of Raceday Medical Practice.
-Beyond the Finish Line: Supporting Jockeys’ Careers and Transition into Retirement.
-Fuelling the Ride: Practical Insights and Evolving Strategies in Jockey Nutrition.
Further information can be found at: www.ichswj.com
