HISA, Jockeys' Guild to partner on mental-health resources for jockeys

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority will launch a program to provide mental-health resources to jockeys in partnership with The Jockeys’ Guild, the two organizations said Tuesday.

The program is being launched in the wake of the suicides of two young riders over the past three months, Avery Whisman, 23, and Alex Canchari, 29. Both had not ridden for at least several months prior to the suicides.

The details of the program have yet to be worked out, but HISA and The Jockeys’ Guild said that “as a critical first step,” they will distribute a survey to riders “relating to their mental wellness needs, as well as what resources and support would be most impactful.”

“The results will be reviewed by HISA and The Jockeys’ Guild and serve as a starting point for building a framework to effectively use collective resources to address our riders’ most important health and safety concerns,” the statement said.

HISA has put in place several programs designed to protect jockeys on the racetrack, such as concussion protocols and mandatory physical exams. In November, the authority hired Dr. James Hester, an orthopedic surgeon, to be its National Medical Director, focusing on jockey health and welfare.

HISA also said in its announcement that an “industry-wide stakeholders meeting” will be organized to discuss the program.

On Wednesday, HISA subsequently announced that the authority had hired Jeff Johnston, a Midwest regional manager for the Guild, to be its Rider Safety and Welfare manager. Johnston, who rode for nearly 20 years, will be responsible for ensuring compliance with HISA’s Racetrack Safety Program and will “closely support” the new mental-health initiative for riders.

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