December 11-12 sees the international Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys taking place in Hong Kong, hosted by the Jockeys Health and Wellbeing Committee.
Under the banner of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, and supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, it will be conducted alongside the International Jockeys Championships and the Longines Hong Kong International Races.
“Jockey healthy, safety and welfare as all non-negotiable aspects of our spot,” said JHWC Chair Darragh O’Loughlin. “This year’s conference will take a deep dive into a wide range of topics.”
“In fact, they will play a critical role of improving the lives of jockeys, while also facilitating meaningful networking opportunities between attendees for around the world.”
Opportunities for networking, fostering connections and collaborations, and sharing valuable resources will also be the key part of the event, and themed round-table will be held.
There will be a poster presentation on “Developing and Protecting the Jockey,” which provides Delegates to showcase research, applied practice, country updates and current projects.
The two-day conference will take an applied, evidence-based approach featuring impactful presentations followed by dynamic panel discussions with leading experts in the field.
The conference will feature 13 sessions, as well as addresses from Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
In addition, Andrew Harding is Executive Director of the IFHA and Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board and Chair of IFHA Jockey Health and Wellbeing Committee.
Sessions include:
- Inside the Mind of the Jockey: Performance, Wellbeing, and Lessons from the Field
- Entrapment Protocols
- Fuelling the Ride: Practical Insights and Evolving Strategies in Jockey Nutrition
- Poster Presentations: Developing and Protecting the Jockey
- On the Turf: Live Outdoor Simulation of Raceday Medical Practice and Entrapment Protocols
- Minimum Riding Weights: Towards a More Individualised and Evidence-Based Approach
- From Turf to Recovery: The Concussion Journey in Horse Racing
- Fit to Ride: Physical Preparation and Rehabilitation for Jockey Performance
- Concussion litigation in England: the Going and the Odds
- Advancing Safety in the Saddle: Injury Surveillance, Prevention, and Protective Innovations
- Strong in the Saddle: Managing Jockey Performance, Injury, and Wellbeing in Hong Kong Racing
- Beyond the Finish Line: Supporting Jockeys’ Careers and Transitions into Retirement
- Themed Table Discussions: Cultivating Connections and Collaborations
Scheduled participants across the two days include will include William Audland, Michael Caulfield, Andrew Coonan, Gavin Egan, Jeff Gomez, Danny Hague, Peta Hitchens, Suzannah Hoult, Rosy Hyman, Chris Kamper, Michaela Keener, Phil Kinsella, Kylie Legg, Karen Lo and Ciara Losty.
In addition, there is Daloni Lucas, Dan Martin, Tarryn Mason, James Murray, Siobhan O’Connor, Gillian O’Loughlin, John O’Reilly, Jennifer Pugh, Richard Pugh, Bill Riddiford, Megan Roberts, Tom Scudamore, Lisa Stevens, Matt Stewart, Paul Struthers, and Giles Warrington.
The 2025 ICHSWJ, which is being organised by the Jockey Health and Wellbeing Committee of the IFHA and is proudly supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club will take place between the International Jockeys’ Championship and the Longines Hong Kong International Races.
The conference is open to all those who work with jockeys and are interested in further enhancing their health, safety and welfare, plus the Media is also welcome to attend.