The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced a collaboration with the New York Institute of Technology's Center for Sports Medicine that establishes the CSM as the official concussion management team for NYRA.
The CSM will play a leading role in continuing to develop concussion protocols for jockeys at Belmont, Saratoga and Aqueduct.
“NYRA clearly prioritizes the health and safety of the world class athletes riding at their racetracks,” said Hallie Zwibel, D.O., medical director and director of the Center for Sports Medicine at New York Institute of Technology. “This collaboration is a reflection of that fact and will result in a concussion management plan that can serve as a national blueprint for thoroughbred racing.”
In December 2020, the Center for Sports Medicine launched a concussion baseline testing program for jockeys competing at the 2020-21 winter meet at Aqueduct. This program is ongoing, with additional baseline testing to be performed during the spring/summer meet at Belmont and the summer meet at Saratoga.
The Center for Sports Medicine has teamed in recent years with current and former jockeys, including Ramon Dominguez, who was force to retire in 2013 as the result.
“I am very encouraged that NYRA is collaborating with New York Institute of Technology to enhance jockey safety,” said Dominguez. “As awareness for concussion safety has risen, so has the level of protection for these amazing athletes and this collaboration continues those important efforts.”
“The Center for Sports Medicine is at the forefront of concussion science, research and prevention,” said Martin Panza, NYRA Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. “Dr. Zwibel and his team will be a tremendous addition as we work together to finalize comprehensive protocols to further protect jockeys in New York.”
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