The association between jockey experience and race-day falls in flat racing in Australia

Abstract

Objectives Apprentice thoroughbred racing jockeys have a higher fall rate than their more experienced counterparts. The authors describe rates of occurrence and investigate risk factors for falls among lessexperienced thoroughbred flat racing jockeys in Australia who commenced their race riding career between August 2002 and July 2009. Methods Data on race-day falls were extracted from stewards' reports. Denominator data were provided by Racing Information Services Australia on races conducted in Australia. HRs were estimated using timeto-event (survival analysis) methods. Results Factors found to be associated with falls by less-experienced jockeys (as indicated by number of career rides or..