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Guild asks Illinois to consider support of jockey health and welfare

Posted: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 2:41 PM

by Frank Angst

With the Jockeys’ Guild facing a 23.6% cut to its health and welfare funding in 2012 resulting from Churchill Downs Inc.’s decision to discontinue such payments, the Guild has sent a letter asking Illinois lawmakers to consider setting aside money.

In a letter to Illinois legislators and Governor Pat Quinn, Jockeys’ Guild National Manager Terry Meyocks requested they support the industry by allowing slot machines at state tracks. He added that as plans are made for allocating revenues from those machines that funding should be set aside to assist jockeys in payments for life insurance, temporary disability, accidental death and dismemberment, as well as assistance for disabled riders.

“Sadly, we have seen too many recent instances where the racing industry has taken the back seat to other business concerns and that is affecting the industry’s ability to survive and prosper,” Meyocks said. “While you are considering what is best for the state of Illinois, please ensure that any legislation aimed at improving conditions for the horse industry takes into account all interests involved, including those of owners, breeders, horsemen and their families, jockeys [active and disabled], agriculture businesses, etc.”

Churchill, which owns Arlington Park in the Chicago area, has announced that its four tracks will discontinue paying $330,000 to the Guild to assist jockey health and welfare beginning in 2012. In 2011 Guild members will pay about $900,000 toward insurance costs while tracks contribute $1.4-million.