Career-ending injuries to professional jockeys in British horse racing (1991-2005)

Abstract

Background: It has been previously shown that professional jump and flat racing jockeys suffer a high incidence of injury as a consequence of their profession. This paper specifically examines career-ending injuries to professional jockeys in Great Britain.

Aims: To investigate career-ending injuries in professional jockeys.

Method: Analysis of prospectively collected injury database on professional jockeys.

Results: The majority of injuries in this study occurred to the head, shoulder or torso. Fractures were the most common type of injury that led to a decision to end a career, followed by neurological injury to the head and/or spine.

Conclusion: Injuries to the head are the most common career-ending injuries, and consideration of injury counter measures could be an important strategy in equestrian sports.