From a Jockeys’ Guild release
Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys from around the country will be in attendance during the annual Jockeys’ Guild Assembly February 15-17 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
A welcome cocktail party is planned for Monday evening, February 15 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Tuesday sessions will include “Developing a Concussion Model in Horse Racing” and a presentation by Paul Struthers, Executive Director of the Professional Jockeys Association in the United Kingdom, “Jockey Safety in Britain-Protecting our Athletes.” A panel discussion will feature retired riders Angel Cordero, Jr., Laffit Pincay, Jr., G.R. Carter, Ramon Dominguez and Casey Lambert as well as active rider John Velazquez discussing preparing for life after riding. The panel will be moderated by Mike Penna.
The annual awards banquet will be held Tuesday evening at Gulfstream Park. That evening, the Jockeys’ Guild will present the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award to Casey Lambert, the Jacky Martin Award to Gilbert Ortiz and the Eddie Arcaro Award to Brian Elmore, Vice President of Racing for Centaur Gaming. The second annual Courage Award will be presented to legendary jockey Ron Turcotte in recognition of the courage and determination of the more than 60 riders who depend on the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which in 2016 is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Two new awards will be presented by JockeyTalk360, the Most Improved Rider for 2015 to Florent Geroux and The Comeback Rider of the Year to T.D. Houghton.
Sessions on Wednesday will include track updates from the regional managers, an update on Exchange Wagering, a presentation on financial planning and Paul Struthers discussing “Jockey Support in the United Kingdom.”
“All Guild members should attend this assembly,” said John Velazquez, Chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild. “We have to make our industry safer and plan for our future. It is vital for all members to join us and provide feedback on the issues and future priorities of the Guild.”
Sponsors for this year’s assembly include Xpressbet, Morgan Stanley, American Quarter Horse Association, Horsemen’s Tack & Equipment, Daily Racing Form, The Jockey Club, and Duralock.
