Guild raps insurance report

The Jockeys' Guild reiterated its objections to having riders contribute to increased insurance coverage for jockeys in a statement released Wednesday that was critical of a panel formed to develop recommendations to the racing industry on riders' insurance issues.

The panel, which included two guild representatives, was formed in late November after many tracks learned that the guild had dropped a policy in 2002 that covered jockeys for up to $1 million in medical bills.

Last Friday, the panel released its final recommendations, including one that all members of the industry should participate in funding additional insurance, including jockeys.

The guild's statement said the panel "failed miserably in its task," calling its conclusions "self-serving."

Keith Chamblin, a senior vice president of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and chairman of the panel, said the guild's position failed to acknowledge that the working group identified an insurance carrier, AIG, that has now been used by tracks in seven states to increase accident coverage.