Racing Australia, the national authority for thoroughbred racing, has announced a comprehensive review of jockey safety vests, further emphasizing its commitment to participant safety in the sport.
The review, approved by the Racing Australia Board on June 14, 2023, is set to begin in mid-July 2023 and will be led by Dr. Andrew McIntosh, an expert in biomechanics, ergonomics, and personal protective equipment performance standards.
Dr. McIntosh, with over three decades of experience in impact injury biomechanics and safety, will evaluate the effectiveness of the safety vests currently in use in Australian racing.
He will particularly focus on their role in preventing severe injuries and will investigate any risk they pose in causing neck or spinal injuries.
Other factors contributing to racing injuries will also be examined, as well as the suitability of the existing safety standards.
The review will also consider alternative safety vests and equipment.
This comprehensive review will comprise both technical analyses and stakeholder interviews to ensure all relevant aspects are addressed.
Racing Australia expects the review to conclude by the end of September 2023 and its findings will be discussed at the Board’s subsequent meeting.