Australian researchers have taken the first steps towards developing appropriate interventions to reduce the number of jockeys injured or killed in thoroughbred horse racing conducted on the "flat" (that is, races without jumps or obstacles).

Australian researchers have taken the first steps towards developing appropriate interventions to reduce the number of jockeys injured or killed in thoroughbred horse racing conducted on the "flat" (that is, races without jumps or obstacles).

A Menzies Research Institute study, published online in the international journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, investigated risk factors associated with falls by licensed jockeys participating in flat races conducted in Australia during the period from August 2002 to July 2006. 

Riding thoroughbred racehorses is a dangerous occupation. On average, licensed jockeys in Australia experience a fall at the rate of 1 per 240 rides in flat racing. Any

one of those falls could be career ending, with 27 per cent resulting in injury, and 1 in 620 falls resulting in death.

Menzies' Senior Member and Principal Research Fellow, Associate Professor Leigh Blizzard, says that rates of falls, injuries and fatalities have been reported but, to date, there has not been a study of factors that may contribute to falls by thoroughbred racing jockeys riding in flat races.

"We have identified a range of factors associated with falls by licensed jockeys riding in flat racing in Australia."

"Applying appropriate interventions to prevent falls requires an understanding of the numerous risk factors that are associated with these falls," Associate Professor Blizzard said.

Factors associated with falls by jockeys in flat racing included sex of the jockey, being an apprentice jockey, being an amateur jockey, the number of previous rides by the jockey that day, younger horse age, drier track rating, shorter race distance, lower field size, lower race grade and prize money on offer.

First author of the paper, Menzies' PhD student, Ms Peta Hitchens says the findings suggest that both the jockey and horse experience will be important factors to include in a fall and injury prevention strategy.

"This is only the beginning. It is vital to safety in the thoroughbred racing industry in Australia that the risk factors for falls and injuries are further investigated." Ms Hitchens said.

Several of the factors are potentially modifiable. For example, in relation to jockey-related factors, Ms Hitchens says, "Once confirmed, I envisage that these findings could be incorporated into apprentice training programs."

Information Released by:

Fiona Horwood, Communications Manager

Phone: 6226 7751 Mobile: 0409 357 384

Email: Fiona.Horwood@menzies.utas.edu.au

Contact:

Phone:

Email: