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25 Sep 2023
British racing has today launched a new online concussion awareness learning module to help those working with and around horses spot the signs of concussion and return safely to work following a head injury.
Concussion is an injury to the brain that can occur after falling from a horse or after any impact to the head or body. It is the third most common injury for jockeys, but can happen to anyone in racing – on the racecourse, riding out on the gallops or even in the training yard.
Given the higher-risk nature of our sport, remaining at the forefront of concussion management is a priority for British racing, with education around how to recognise and recover from head injuries central to this approach.
The new learning module is available now on Racing2Learn and builds on existing medical advice and British racing’s robust jockey protocols to provide industry-specific concussion guidance to everyone working in horse-facing roles.
Developed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and funded by the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and the Racing Foundation, the module helps participants:
The guidance recommends taking time to rest and recover in the first 24-48 hours following a concussion, with minimal activity, reduced screen time, plenty of sleep and seeking medical support via NHS 111 or a GP if symptoms don’t start to settle.
It also advises against riding or any tasks that may result in head impact or injury for a minimum of 21 days following concussion, with the gradual return to activity helping reduce the risk of further injury or longer-term problems.
While aimed primarily at those working directly with horses, such as jockeys, trainers and stable employees, the advice is also applicable to those in support roles, like valets and racecourse teams, who may be well placed to spot and help manage concussion in others.
Those taking the module will also have access to a suite of downloadable resources, which offer further guidance around symptoms, recovery and rehabilitation, together with signposting to additional support services.
The guidance has been developed by medical experts and racing professionals in line with the UK Government’s grassroots sport guidelines, If in doubt, sit them out, so that it adheres to best practice health advice, while ensuring its relevance to managing concussion within the racing environment.
Jockeys and riders licensed by the BHA (amateurs and professionals) should note that while they are encouraged to complete the module to help improve their own understanding of concussion, their return to race riding following head injury will continue to be managed by the BHA Medical Department in partnership with the IJF.
Dr Jerry Hill, the BHA’s Chief Medical Adviser, said:
“Given the risks associated with our sport, we take concussion very seriously and already have comprehensive protocols in place to ensure the highest standards of care, attention, and rehabilitation for our jockeys.
“But concussion can happen anywhere, at any time, and this new learning module has been developed to enhance the way we support racing’s wider workforce, with industry-specific guidance on spotting the signs of concussion, managing recovery and the safe return to work.
“This is an incredibly useful resource for anyone in British racing working with or around horses, which can help improve understanding of concussion and reduce the risk of serious injury. We are very grateful to the teams at the IJF and the Racing Foundation for making this possible.”
Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund, said:
“Our experience of supporting jockeys with concussion does highlight that prompt recognition of the signs and active management of the symptoms can really help aid recovery.
“These guidelines are written to help protect the long-term health of any rider, jockey or anyone who works around horses who might have sustained a concussion injury.”
Tansy Challis, Chief Executive Officer of the Racing Foundation, said:
“This new, online learning module demonstrates how proactive the racing industry is at ensuring it remains at the forefront of concussion management and at maintaining its reputation as a leader in the wider sporting context.
“Given the risks associated with the racing environment, it’s crucial that everyone can recognise the signs of concussion as soon as possible and identify the most suitable recovery and rehabilitation pathways.
“We hope that through this accessible and digestible way of learning about concussion, we will be able to reduce the risks both to individuals and those around them. We encourage everyone to complete the module on the free Racing2Learn platform.”
Notes to editors:
About Racing2Learn
Racing2Learn is the British racing’s online education resource run by the British Horseracing Authority. It forms part of the Racing Staff Development Programme, funded by the HBLB, which aims to provide opportunities for anyone that works in racing to broaden and develop their knowledge across a wide range of subject areas.
About the Racing Foundation
In 2012, the Racing Foundation was established to oversee the distribution of funds to charitable causes within the racing and thoroughbred industry following the sale of the Tote. Since inception it has awarded over £38millionin grants. People, equine welfare, community engagement and environment & emerging issues are the key areas of focus in the latest strategy. The Trustees of the Racing Foundation are Julia Budd (Chair), Linda Bowles, Jim Boyle, Susannah Gill, Mark Johnston, Louise Kemble, Alice Page, Rishi Persad and Algy Smith-Maxwell. The British Horseracing Authority, the Thoroughbred Group and Racecourse Association are the three joint Members of the Racing Foundation, which is registered with the Charity Commission as a charity under the law of England and Wales (no. 1145297).
About the Injured Jockeys Fund
The Injured Jockeys Fund was founded in 1964 following the accidents to Tim Brookshaw, and then Paddy Farrell in the 1964 Grand National. Both falls resulted in severe paralysis which immediately ended both their careers. Since then, the Fund has helped over 1000 jockeys and their families and has paid out more than £20m in charitable assistance. Our services are accessible to anyone who holds or has held a racing licence (and their dependents) and is in need. This includes professional, amateur and point-to-point jockeys.
The Fund’s team of Regional and Centre Liaisons work directly with beneficiaries offering pastoral care and financial assistance. They, in turn are assisted by a team of 20 volunteer visitors who keep in touch with elderly and isolated beneficiaries, offering friendship and company.
In 2009 the Fund opened its first Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre, Oaksey House in Lambourn. This was followed in 2015 by Jack Berry House in Malton, for northern-based jockeys and beneficiaries, and then Peter O’Sullevan House in Newmarket in 2019. A regional based hub at Taunton opened in 2022 for West-Country based jockeys.
The IJF also works closely with racing authorities and other organisations on many initiatives such as funding on-course physiotherapists (Jockey Injury Management Team), expert nutritional advice and medical services. In 2020 a new partnership with Changing Minds (clinical psychologists) enhanced mental health provision. This will remain a key area of focus and investment.
Tommy Churchyard
British Horseracing Authority
e: [email protected]
