DR Jennifer Pugh of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board and Dr Sarah Jane Cullen from Dublin City University have played a key role in organising the International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) in Hong Kong on December 11th-12th.

The conference is being organised by the Jockeys Health and Wellbeing Committee (JHWC) of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), and 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.

Some of the sessions taking place at the event are:

  • 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