Predictors of race-day jockey falls in flat racing in Australia

Abstract

under 4 years of age in open/restricted races, and the effects of lower fi eld size in maiden races, and of shorter races, were more pronounced for falls occurring prerace. Conclusions We identifi ed a range of factors associated with falls to thoroughbred racing jockeys riding in fl at races that adds to the evidence base for formulating strategies to improve occupational health and safety standards in the thoroughbred racing industry.

The association between jockey experience and race-day falls in flat racing in Australia

“…While the results add in a logical and consistent manner to our previous findings,10 this study is cross-sectional and conclusions about causation cannot be drawn. While there is little cause to suspect bias in the information obtained, the possibility of random error in the measurements of outcome and study factors cannot be discounted.…”

“…It expands and elaborates on findings from our previous study10 of factors associated with falls by jockeys in flat races that was conducted in a smaller dataset lacking the additional information on jockey and horse experience that was available for this study. The factors found to be associated with falls by less-experienced jockeys (as indicated by number of career rides or career stage) were those previously determined by us10 to predict falls and injuries by jockeys irrespective of career stage. Five factors were found to progressively increase the hazard of falls for lesser experienced jockeys.…”

“…These data covered 96% of race rides by jockeys during the study period. Details of the methods used here have been reported previously 3 10…”

“…Our group has provided a description of the location and causes of falls by thoroughbred racing jockeys,3 and the first comprehensive analyses of the factors associated with those falls,10 11 in flat and jumps racing. In respect of risk factors for falls in flat racing, factors found to be associated with falls by jockeys included female sex of jockey, being an apprentice jockey, being an amateur jockey, drier tracks, younger horse age, shorter race distance, lower field size and lower race grade 10.…”

“…In respect of risk factors for falls in flat racing, factors found to be associated with falls by jockeys included female sex of jockey, being an apprentice jockey, being an amateur jockey, drier tracks, younger horse age, shorter race distance, lower field size and lower race grade 10. Overall, our results suggest that inexperience of the jockey, as indicated by apprenticeship status, and riding less accomplished horses, as indicated by lower race grade, are contributing factors to increased fall rates, justifying further investigation into the interplay of these factors.…”