The 2025 International Conference on Health, Safety, and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) took place in Hong Kong from December 11 to 12. This two-day event focused on Performance Medicine in Horse Racing, emphasizing jockey development and protection through a practical, evidence-driven approach. The conference gathered leading experts who delivered presentations and engaged in panel discussions on the subject.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, President of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA), highlighted the significance of this event, noting that jockey safety has often been overlooked or romanticized rather than addressed with scientific and structured methods typical of modern sports. He stressed that the conference pushes for the highest standards of care, protection, and knowledge in jockey health.
Over the two days, 13 sessions featured topics such as mental performance, nutrition strategies, live race day medical procedure simulations, concussion management, injury prevention innovations, jockey physical preparation, and career support beyond racing. The event also included thematic discussions aimed at fostering collaboration within the industry.
Notable participants included experts and professionals like William Audland, Michael Caulfield, Holly Doyle, Jeff Gomez, Taryn Mason, and many others who contribute diverse expertise to the subject.
The 2025 ICHSWJ was organized by the IFHA Jockey Health and Welfare Committee and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). Darragh O’Loughlin, Chair of the IFHA Jockey Health and Welfare Committee, remarked that the conference theme reflects the progress in how jockey welfare is approached today—focusing not just on injury treatment but on comprehensive support throughout jockeys’ careers.
This gathering also provided ample networking opportunities and resource sharing, strengthening the global community dedicated to jockey health. The previous ICHSWJ was held in October 2023 alongside the 57th International Horseracing Authority Conference.
Fan Take: This conference is crucial for horse racing fans because it marks a serious commitment to safeguarding jockeys, whose wellbeing is vital to the sport. By advancing science-backed methods in jockey care and protection, the industry is taking meaningful steps to enhance safety and ensure that riders receive the best possible support on and off the track.
