Bethany Erb

For most of the sport's history the mental well-being of jockeys was not something that anybody talked about or even thought about. But the problem could no longer be ignored when, in 2023, two jockeys, Alex Canchari and Avery Whisman, took their own lives. They were otherwise young and healthy, but the pressures of being a jockey was a burden both, apparently, could not handle. They were not alone. Jockeys' Guild President and CEO Terry Meyocks said that 230 jockeys were surveyed last year and asked about their mental health....

With over 18 years experience in government affairs and stakeholder engagement, Bethany Erb has been appointed to serve as Director of Public Affairs at the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), the organization announced via press release Monday. In the position, Erb will manage HISA's engagement with policymakers and other stakeholders in Washington, D.C. and around the country, which includes representatives from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as well as the various advocacy groups inside and outside of the industry. Erb's prior positions include within the U.S. Department of Agriculture,...