International Jockey Concussion, Safety and Wellness Conference
October 9 - 11, 2024
Fasig-Tipton
2400 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY
Conference Recap
The International Jockey Concussion, Safety and Wellness Conference, hosted by HISA and Jockeys' Guild, brought together a diverse group of international experts, researchers and stakeholders in the racing industry. This event focused on addressing the critical issues impacting jockeys' health and safety, such as concussions, mental health and nutrition. Featured speakers included retired jockeys Donna Barton Brothers, Ramon Dominguez, Eurico Da Silva, Pat Day and Nathan Horrocks, who shared their personal experiences and advocated for enhanced safety measures in the sport. Attendees ranged from medical professionals and researchers to racing industry executives and jockey families, offering a holistic view of the challenges and innovations in jockey care.
The conference included sessions on cutting-edge medical research, safety protocols and concussion management, with opportunities to network with other professionals in the field. The event also spotlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at improving the long-term wellbeing of jockeys, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure safer racing conditions.
Based on positive feedback from attendees and presenters, HISA and Jockeys' Guild request that you SAVE THE DATE for the next Jockey Conference to be held in Lexington, Kentucky on October 7-9, 2026!
International Jockey Concussion, Safety and Wellness Conference
October 9 - 11, 2024
Fasig-Tipton
2400 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY
Opening Reception
The Thoroughbred Club of America 3555 Rice Road, Lexington, KY
Registration and Breakfast Buffet Open
Welcome Remarks
Lisa Lazarus
- Chief Executive Officer – HISA
Terry Meyocks
- President/CEO – Jockeys’ Guild
Representative Matt Koch
- Kentucky House of Representatives
A Review of the International Consensus on Concussions
Dr. Margot Putukian
- Chief Medical Officer – Major League Soccer
The Landscape Surrounding Athlete Health and Concussions
Dr. Steve Broglio
- Director of the University of Michigan Concussion Center and the NeuroTrauma Research Laboratory
Coffee Break
The Crucial Connection Between Brain Health and Nutrition
Followed by Jockey Nutrition: A Discussion
Dr. Shae Datta
- Clinical Assistant Professor – Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine
- Division Director – Concussion, NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island
- Co-Director – NYU Concussion Center
- Chair – American Academy Of Neurology’s Sports Neurotrauma Section
Dr. SarahJane Cullen
- Associate Professor In Sport And Exercise Physiology – Dublin City University
- Research Coordinator – Irish Jockey Research Programme in Conjunction with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board
Gillian O'Loughlin
- Dietitian – The Irish Jockeys Association
Aaron Gryder
- SVP RACING RELATIONS AT 1ST RACING
- RETIRED MULTIPLE GRADED STAKES WINNING JOCKEY
- TV ANALYST
- PUBLIC SPEAKER
Donna Barton Brothers
- NBC Racing Analyst
- commentator
- author and Retired Professional Jockey
Lunchtime Talk: Intensity to Vitality: Managing Chronic Too-Muchness
Dan Waits
- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – RACE TRACK CHAPLAINCY OF AMERICA
Dr. Kelly Crace
- Associate Vice President – Health and Wellness at William & Mary University
An Update on Equestrian Concussion: Controversies and Cutting-edge Technology
Dr. Sara Gould
- Associate Professor – University of Alabama, Birmingham
Spine Injuries in Equestrian Athletes
Dr. Cindy Lin
- Clinical Professor, Sports & Spine Medicine and Endowed Professorship of Sports & Exercise Medicine – University of Washington
How Equestrian and Other Sports Can Work Together on Concussion Prevention and Management
Dr. Mark Hart
- Chief Medical Officer and Team Physician – US Equestrian Federation
- Chair, Medical Committee – International Equestrian Federation
Dr. Cindy Lin
- Clinical Professor, Sports & Spine Medicine and Endowed Professorship of Sports & Exercise Medicine – University of Washington
Dr. Dan Han
- Director, Division of Neuropsychology – UK Healthcare
Dr. Pete Hester
- ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON AND HISA NATIONAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Break
Evidence-based Strategies for Athlete Communications on Mental Health and Safety
Dr. Carl Mattacola, PhD
- DEAN OF SCHOOL OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES AND PROFESSOR OF KINESIOLOGY – UNC GREENSBORO
Dr. Jeffrey J. Milroy
- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE TO PROMOTE ATHLETE HEALTH AND WELLNESS, UNC GREENSBORO
Dr. David L. Wyrick
- CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER – UNC GREENSBORO
Tour of WinStar Farm
Castle & Key Bourbon Tasting and Dinner
Morning Training and Viewing of Medical Facilities at Keeneland (optional)
Day 2 Welcome Remarks
Kentucky Senator Damon Thayer
- Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader
A Story of Addiction, Recovery and Redemption
Randy Grimes
- 10-year Veteran of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Founder of Pro Athletes in Recovery
- Author of Off Center: A Memoir of Addiction, Recovery and Redemption in Professional Football
Viewing of The Fall – short film addressing mental health in jockeys
A Frank Conversation about Mental Health with Top Jockeys
Pat Day
- Retired Hall Of Fame, Multiple Graded Stakes Winning Jockey
Ramón A. Domínguez
- Retired Hall Of Fame, Multiple Graded Stakes Winning Jockey
Eurico Da Silva
- Retired Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Multiple Graded Stakes Winning Jockey
Nathan Horrocks
- RETIRED JUMP JOCKEY
- CO-FOUNDER & CEO OF JOCKEYCAM AND EQUINE PRODUCTIONS
Donna Barton Brothers
- NBC Racing Analyst
- commentator
- author and retired professional jockey
Coffee Break
Mental Health in Elite Athletes
Followed by a Panel on Mental Health in Elite Athletes
Dr. Claudia Reardon
- PROFESSOR – UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Dr. Marc Cormier
- Sports Psychology Director – University of Kentucky
Dr. Ashley Samson
- Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion – University of Kentucky College of Education
Closing Remarks
Lisa Lazarus
- Chief Executive Officer – HISA
Terry Meyocks
- President/CEO – Jockeys’ Guild
An Afternoon of Racing at Keeneland (optional)
Day 1 Session Replays
Welcome Remarks - Donna Barton Brothers
Welcome Remarks - Lisa Lazarus
Welcome Remarks - Terry Meyocks
A Review of the International Consensus on Concussions
The Landscape Surrounding Athlete Health and Concussions
The Crucial Connection Between Brain Health and Nutrition
Jockey Nutrition - A Discussion
Lunchtime Talk: Intensity to Vitality: Managing Chronic Too-Muchness
An Update on Equestrian Concussion: Controversies and Cutting-edge Technology
Spine Injuries in Equestrian Athletes
How Equestrian and Other Sports Can Work Together on Concussion Prevention and Management - Dr. Dan Han
How Equestrian and Other Sports Can Work Together on Concussion Prevention and Management
Evidence-based Strategies for Athlete Communications on Mental Health and Safety
Day 2 Session Replays
Day 2 Welcome Remarks
A Story of Addiction, Recovery and Redemption
A Frank Conversation about Mental Health with Top Jockeys
Mental Health in Elite Athletes - Followed by a Panel on Mental Health in Elite Athletes
Closing Remarks - Terry Meyocks
Photo Gallery
