PRESS RELEASE (Edited)
WASHINGTON, DC—The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and Jockeys’ Guild, in partnership with the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, co-hosted a mental health roundtable on Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the U.S. Capitol. The event brought together jockeys and professional athletes from women’s soccer and football to share their personal experiences and highlight both the common and unique mental health challenges they face.
Participants discussed issues such as repeated concussions, the stigma around seeking mental health care, the pressures of social media, reliance on substances and the challenges of transitioning to life after sports when one’s athletic career comes to an end.
“We are committed to keeping the dialogue going on mental health challenges for professional jockeys,” HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said. “The more we talk about it, the more jockeys feel they can reach out for help. We want them to know that mental health is as important as physical health—and that support is available.”
“The well-being of our members extends far beyond the racetrack,” Jockeys’ Guild President and CEO Terry Meyocks said. “By bringing jockeys together with athletes from other sports, we can shed light on shared struggles, reduce stigma and ensure riders know that resources and support are within reach.”
Roundtable participants included Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez; retired jockeys Trevor McCarthy and Rosie Napravnik; retired NFL player and recovery advocate Montee Ball, Jr.; and Ashley Hatch, forward for the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League. The session was moderated by Mana Shim, a retired professional soccer player and athlete advocate.
U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Andy Barr (KY-06), both long-time supporters of HISA, also delivered remarks. Rep. Tonko, whose district includes Saratoga Race Course, spoke about his work as a member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. Rep. Barr, whose district includes Keeneland, highlighted the interaction of recovery and workforce development within the equine world by presenting Frank Taylor with a statement entered into the Congressional Record. The statement recognized Taylor’s organization, Stable Recovery, for its extraordinary work helping people achieve sobriety and build careers in the equine industry. To learn more about Stable Recovery and its mission to help people break addiction through purposeful work, structured recovery and meaningful careers in the thoroughbred industry, click here.
Return to the September 19 issue of Wire to Wire
