The International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) will take place on 11-12 December in Hong Kong.
The conference, which is being organised by the Jockeys Health and Wellbeing Committee (JHWC) of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), and is proudly supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), will take place between the International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) and the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR).
“Jockey health, safety and welfare are all non-negotiable aspects of our sport,” said JHWC Chair Darragh O’Loughlin. “This year’s conference will take a deep dive into a wide range of topics that play a crucial role in improving the lives of jockeys, while also facilitating meaningful networking opportunities between attendees from around the world.”
The 2025 conference, themed Performance Medicine in Racing – Developing and Protecting the Jockey, will take an applied, evidence-based approach featuring impactful presentations followed by dynamic panel discussions with leading experts in the field.
Confirmed sessions for the 2025 ICHSWJ include:
- Inside the Mind of the Jockey: Performance, Wellbeing, and Lessons from the Field
- Fit to Ride: Physical Preparation and Rehabilitation for Jockey Performance
- Advancing Safety in the Saddle: Injury Surveillance, Prevention, and Protective Innovations
- From Turf to Recovery: The Concussion Journey in Horse Racing
- Minimum Riding Weights: Towards a More Individualised and Evidence-Based Approach
- On the Track: Live Outdoor Simulation of Raceday Medical Practice
- Beyond the Finish Line: Supporting Jockeys’ Careers and Transition into Retirement
- Fuelling the Ride: Practical Insights and Evolving Strategies in Jockey Nutrition
Further details on topics and speakers will be released closer to the conference.
Opportunities for networking, fostering connections and collaborations, and sharing valuable resources will also be a key part of the event, and themed roundtable discussions will be held.
There will also be a dedicated poster presentation session themed “Developing and Protecting the Jockey,” which will provide delegates with the opportunity to showcase research, applied practice, country updates and current projects. To present in the poster session, interested parties should submit their name, country, and presentation overview to ICHSWJ Poster Submission by 30 September. Details will subsequently be provided to successful applicants.
The conference is open to all those who work with jockeys and are interested in further enhancing their health, safety and welfare. Media are also welcome.
The registration form to attend the conference is available on the ICHSWJ website. It includes information about accommodation options.
ICHSWJ registration also includes (optional) attendance at the following HKJC social events:
- Happy Valley races (featuring the IJC) entry and dinner – Wednesday, 10 December
- HKIR Gala Dinner – Friday, 12 December
- International Trackwork Breakfast – Saturday, 13 December
- HKIR entry and lunch – Sunday, 14 December
For all the latest information, please visit the ICHSWJ website.
For any inquiries, please contact ichswj@gmail.com.
The ICHSWJ was last held in October 2023 in conjunction with the 57th International Conference of Horseracing Authorities and other associated meetings around the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend.
About IFHA
The IFHA is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world. It is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport; protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations.
Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include:
- Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering
- Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders
- International race planning and grading (“black type”)
- World rankings
- The fight against equine prohibited substances and practices
- Harmonisation of racing rules
- Certification of IFHA reference laboratories
- Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally
The IFHA is a foundation member with Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) of the International Horse Sports Confederation and is affiliated to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
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