17.10.2014

Three Jockeys Lost Their Lives After Falls

The health and safety procedures and protocols in place in horse racing have been called into question after three jockeys lost their lives due to injuries suffered in falls in Australia and the US.

Caitlin Forrest, 19, Carly-Mae Pye, 26, and Juan Saez, 17, all lost their lives after suffering serious injuries during falls from their horses during flat races this week. 

The tragedies have brought the standard of safety measures at racecourses in the sport into the spotlight.

Peter McGauran told Sydney's Sky Sports Radio that tracks have never been safer, but that attempts to improve the standard of safety equipment worn by jockeys have been hindered by difficulties in finding manufacturers.

Twelve British and Irish jockeys have been killed in falls since 1980 – four in flat races and eight over jumps.

Expert Opinion

Head injuries in sport and the way they can be prevented and better treated is currently being hotly debated in a number of sports, as the risk of these injuries is present in many sports, each with their own particular safety challenges. <br/> <br/>“However, the welfare of participants across all sports needs to be the top priority and it is vital sports governing bodies take action to reduce the number of injuries within their sports. <br/> <br/>“In horse racing this includes improving the standard of protective equipment for jockeys, course safety and fence design, as well as implementing new head injury protocols, which will ensure those suffering head injuries are given the best possible treatment as soon as possible after a fall.” Stephen Nye - Partner