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Home / Equine Research Bank / Med J Aust / The incidence of race-day jockey falls in Australia, 2002-20...
The Medical journal of Australia2009; 190(2); 83-86; doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02284.x

The incidence of race-day jockey falls in Australia, 2002-2006.

Abstract: To describe rates of occurrence of falls, injuries and fatalities to horse-racing jockeys in Australia. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data on race-day falls from stewards' reports provided by the Principal Racing Authority of each state and territory of Australia, August 2002 - July 2006. Methods: Fall, injury and fatality incidence rates; comparison with overseas rates. Results: There were 3360 jockey falls from 748 367 rides. Falls occurred at a rate of 0.42 per 100 rides in flat races and 5.26 per 100 rides in jumps races. In flat racing, 54.6% (1694/3101) of falls occurred before the start of the race and 11.1% (344/3101) of falls occurred post-race. The 34.3% (1063/3101) of falls that occurred during flat races resulted in 61.7% (516/836) of the injuries sustained. In jumps racing, most falls occurred at a jump and 9.7% (25/259) of jockeys who fell were transported to hospital and/or declared unfit to ride. There were five fatalities resulting from falls during the study period, all in flat racing. Fall and injury rates were comparable with those found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Japan. Conclusions: Being a jockey carries a substantial risk of injury and death. Although rates of injury in Australia are not exceptional by international standards, there can be improvement to safety standards in the Australian racing industry.
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Publication Date: 2009-02-25 PubMed ID: 19236295DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02284.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research article discusses the occurrence of falls, injuries, and fatalities among jockey during horse-racing events in Australia from the period of 2002 to 2006, drawing data from stewards’ reports. The research found that despite the considerable risk faced by jockeys, injury rates in Australia are comparable to those in other countries with a significant horse-racing industry.

Research Methodology

  • The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of stewards’ reports provided by the Principal Racing Authority from each state and territory in Australia. The analysis covered a period from August 2002 to July 2006.
  • The primary variables of interest were the rates of jockey falls, injuries, and fatalities. Secondary measures included the phase of the race during which falls occurred and specific circumstances of each fall.
  • Data collected was compared with available statistics from other countries like United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Japan.

Results

  • The research found that 3360 falls occurred from 748,367 rides during the study period. The incidence of falls were higher in jump races (5.26 per 100 rides) compared to flat races (0.42 per 100 rides).
  • In flat racing, 54.6% of falls happened before the race actually started while 11.1% of falls occurred post-race. The remaining 34.3% falls during the race resulted in 61.7% of the injuries.
  • In jump races, most falls happened at the jump, with 9.7% of falls needing hospitalization or resulting in jockeys being declared unfit to continue racing.
  • There were five recorded fatalities during this period, all occurring in flat racing.

Conclusions

  • The study concludes that being a jockey carries a considerable risk of incurring an injury or worse, fatality.
  • The injury rates among Australian jockeys, while significant, are not exceptional when compared to international rates specifically in countries with significant horse racing industries.
  • The study suggests a need for review and potential improvement of safety standards in the Australian racing industry to further reduce the incidence of falls and injuries among jockeys.

Cite This Article

APA
Hitchens PL, Blizzard CL, Jones G, Day LM, Fell J. (2009). The incidence of race-day jockey falls in Australia, 2002-2006. Med J Aust, 190(2), 83-86. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2009.tb02284.x

Publication

The Medical journal of Australia
ISSN: 0025-729X
NlmUniqueID: 0400714
Country: Australia
Language: English
Volume: 190
Issue: 2
Pages: 83-86

Researcher Affiliations

Hitchens, Peta L
  • Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia. petaleeh@utas.edu.au
Blizzard, C Leigh
    Jones, Graeme
      Day, Lesley M
        Fell, James

          MeSH Terms

          • Accidental Falls / mortality
          • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data
          • Accidents, Occupational / mortality
          • Accidents, Occupational / statistics & numerical data
          • Animals
          • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
          • Australia / epidemiology
          • Horses
          • Humans
          • Incidence
          • Retrospective Studies
          • Risk Factors

          Citations

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