THE Irish Jockeys Association has welcomed the appointment of Jennifer Pugh as incoming Senior Medical Officer for the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board. Dr Pugh will succeed the retiring Adrian McGoldrick in the role starting on January 1st.

Andrew Coonan of the IJA said: “Dr Pugh has big boots to fill but we are very pleased to see her awarded the position. Given her medical knowledge and her professionalism she is more than capable of doing the job. She already has, with Dr McGoldrick, done tremendous work for jockeys.”

An amateur rider herself for 13 years, Dr Pugh (nee Kidd) was lady point-to-point champion in 2008/09 and represented Ireland abroad.

Coonan added: “Not only is she the first female senior medical officer but the fact that she has also great experience as a jockey herself must be highly unusual in any racing jurisdiction.” Although the weighroom is predominantly male, Coonan said there were no issues among riders with female racecourse doctors.

Dr Pugh has her own medical practice in Kildare but has worked in racing since 2012. She said she was “delighted and honoured” to have been chosen for the role.

“It is a privilege to succeed Dr Adrian McGoldrick under whose tenure the IHRB has become an International leader for rider health and safety standards,” she said. “I look forward to working with the IHRB and the wider racing industry to provide the very best care possible for our riders into the future.”

Dr McGoldrick said: “I am delighted with Jennifer’s appointment following a very rigorous interview process. She is a highly competent, caring doctor with a vast knowledge of racing. I look forward to assisting her in progressing the care of our riders and the ongoing research programme which the IHRB has pioneered since 2004. It is a very good day for Irish racing.”

THRILLED

IHRB chief executive Denis Egan said: “We are thrilled to have a person of Jennifer’s experience and knowledge to replace Adrian. As a former rider Jennifer really understands the challenges faced by riders which gives her a unique insight into the difficulties that riders face each day. I have no doubt Jennifer will continue to enhance the services and supports that the IHRB provide to riders which are amongst the best in the world thanks to the efforts of Dr Adrian McGoldrick and his team.”