The Jockey’s Guild

The online dictionary definition of a guild is “an association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common goal.”  And so the Jockey’s Guild could be looked at as a setup with a focus on jockeys, working towards setting guidelines and rules to protect them in a racing environment.

According to the history of the Jockey’s Guild it was back in the 1940s that frustration was rising around the environment in which horse riders worked.  There was little concern for their needs as they rode horses for other people.  For riders that were unable to ride due to disability or injury from race riding, there was no support.

“The Jockeys Community Fund and Guild in 1940 was precipitated by the racing injury of Sammy Renick. When Eddie Arcaro visited Renick, who was recuperating in the hospital from a broken leg, their discussion led to the formation of an organization that would represent the concerns of jockeys.”

Those who founded this organisation were the leading jockeys of the turf at that time.  These included Eddie Arcaro, Don Meade, John Longden, “Red” Pollard and many more. As it states on their website, the objects of the Jockeys Community Fund and Guild are:

1. To accumulate, by contributions and dues from the members, a fund from which would be distributed financial aid.
2. To encourage and foster good morale and good character of its members
3. To support a policy of fair play and honest treatment as to owners, turf clubs and racing clubs
4. To uphold the best interests of horse racing
5. To assist in every honorable way to further the interests of its members
6. To furnish financial aid to any member of the club at such time and in such amounts as he may deserve and within the ability of the club to afford
7. To establish a means whereby members of the club would have available additional assurance of freedom from want and insecurity in the event of misfortune and inability to earn.
8. Any other lawful purpose consistent with the specific objects stated in this article

The guild has helped to purchase insurance for jockeys by racetracks and get ambulances on site at tracks. Fees for jockeys have increased over time and sanitary conditions in jockeys’ rooms have been improved.  Other improvements have related to helmets, increased insurance, changing of racing rails material – the list goes on.

The Guild has been set up to improve racing conditions and the welfare of jockeys in the industry.  As needs arise, they are able to be addressed and funds acquired to purchase, change, improve or introduce new products and settings.  Whatever industry you work in, it is worth knowing if there is a setup that will help to fight for your rights within it.