The Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefits Fund teamed up with Premier Physical Therapy and ChristianaCare to conduct concussion baseline testing and physical examinations for jockeys ahead of this year’s racing season. Pictured L to R, DJHWBF administrator Pete Lizarzaburu, AT Jenna Thatcher, AT Samantha Markland, Jockey Kevin Lundie, Dr. John Turner. (Delaware Park Photo)
In Partnership with Premier PT
Delaware Park Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – The Delaware Jockeys’ Health and Welfare Benefits Fund held a Jockey Health Day on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Delaware Park. Premier Physical Therapy & Sports Performance hosted the event with assistance from ChristianaCare for the fourth consecutive year.
Dr. John Turner with ChristianaCare and athletic trainers Jenna Thatcher and Samantha Markland with Premier PT provided physicals and baseline testing to nineteen jockeys, all provided free of charge. Jockeys were also provided emergency medical tags to wear on safety vests and entered into HEADCHECK, a concussion management and injury reporting digital platform.
Premier PT is a Delaware owned and based company serving physical therapy patients of all ages and physical levels of ability across the entire state with ten locations. Premier PT also provides Athletic Training to several high schools.
ChristianaCare comprises three hospitals — with more than 1,200 beds — as well as outpatient and other services throughout northern Delaware and the surrounding area.
HISA has incorporated HEADCHECK to execute concussion protocols, mitigate risk, support recovery and gives participating racetracks the ability to instantly remove and return jockeys to riding by sharing possible injury alerts, performing baseline tests and physical examinations, completing injury reports and medical clearances, and collecting jockey emergency contact information and other pertinent information. HEADCHECK uses strict HIPAA compliance with multi-level access where private health information is only provided to medical personnel.
The 75-day Delaware Park meet opens on Wednesday, May 15, and concludes on Saturday, October 12. Live racing occurs on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Beginning in June, select Fridays will be added through October 12. First race post time is 12:30 p.m.
