Horse racing is a beloved sport, known for its long and illustrious history. It is a sport that has captivated audiences for centuries, with its thrilling and exciting races. But, with all the glitz and glamour, there has always been a dark side. Over the years, many jockeys have been killed in racing accidents. While the number of deaths has decreased in recent years, it is still a major issue that needs to be addressed. In this article, we will discuss how many jockeys are killed each year and what measures are being taken to reduce the number of fatalities.
Jockey Deaths Over the Years
The number of jockey deaths has been steadily declining over the years. According to statistics from the Jockeys’ Association, there were just five jockey fatalities in 2020, down from 11 in 2019. This is a dramatic decrease from the 20 fatalities reported in 2017 and 2018, and the 28 fatalities in 2015 and 2016.
The decrease in fatalities is largely due to the implementation of a number of safety measures, such as the use of helmets and safety vests, as well as the installation of safety rails and other safety features on the racecourse.
Factors Contributing to Jockey Deaths
There are a number of factors that can contribute to jockey fatalities. The most common is the horse itself. Horses can be unpredictable and may take unexpected turns or become spooked. This can cause riders to lose their balance and fall off the horse.
Other factors that can contribute to jockey deaths include:
- Track Conditions: Poor track conditions can cause horses to slip or stumble, resulting in falls.
- Weather: Inclement weather can make the track more slippery, increasing the chances of falls.
- Horse Handling: Poor horse handling can spook the horse and cause the jockey to lose control.
- Equipment Failure: If a saddle or bridle fails, it can cause the rider to lose control.
Safety Measures Taken to Reduce Jockey Deaths
In recent years, a number of measures have been taken to reduce the number of jockey deaths. These include:
- Helmets and Safety Vests: All jockeys are now required to wear helmets and safety vests.
- Safety Rails: Safety rails have been installed on the racecourse to reduce the risk of falls.
- Drug Testing: All jockeys are now required to undergo drug testing before racing.
- Horse Training: Horses are now trained to be more responsive and less spooky.
Jockey Safety Organizations
There are a number of organizations dedicated to ensuring the safety of jockeys. These organizations work to raise awareness of the risks associated with horse racing and promote the implementation of safety measures.
The Jockeys’ Association is a UK-based organization that works to promote the safety and welfare of jockeys. It provides advice and support to jockeys, as well as a helpline to report any safety concerns.
The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is a US-based organization that works to improve the safety of jockeys and horses. It provides education and training to jockeys, as well as advocating for the implementation of safety measures.
Conclusion
Jockey deaths are a serious issue that needs to be addressed. The good news is that the number of fatalities has decreased in recent years, thanks to the implementation of safety measures and the work of jockey safety organizations. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of jockeys.
References
Jockey Deaths in the UK
- Jockeys’ Association. (2020). Fatalities in 2020. Retrieved from https://www.jockeys.org/fatalities-in-2020/
- Jockeys’ Association. (2019). Fatalities in 2019. Retrieved from https://www.jockeys.org/fatalities-in-2019/
Jockey Safety Organizations
- Jockeys’ Association. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.jockeys.org/about-us/
- National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.nhbpa.com/about-us/