Penn National Joins HeadCheck Jockey Health System, Moving Toward Uniform Mid-Atlantic Protocols

Penn National Race Course announced a new partnership with software company HeadCheck Health, Inc. ('HeadCheck') that will equip all staff with a customized system for optimizing concussion and injury management for jockeys within and between racetracks.

Horse racing is a sport that comes with an inherent risk for jockeys. The industry also faces challenges in implementing concussion and injury protocols. There are different resources available at each track, no national overseeing body to mandate requirements, independent state commissions and rules, and a transitory workforce of jockeys.

Since 2019, HeadCheck has worked with various industry stakeholders, customizing the platform to solve many of these issues. Though the program took a backseat to challenges related to COVID-19, it's been quietly continuing to adapt the system to be ready for expansion.

The journey so far has been marked by impressive collaboration and hard work between Dr. Kelly Ryan and the sports medicine team at MedStar Health, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, Maryland Jockey Club, and Delaware Jockeys Health and Welfare Benefit Board.

“The implementation of the HeadCheck program by racetracks in the region is an important step toward protecting the health of jockeys,” said Aaron Gryder, Vice President, Industry Relations, 1/ST RACING. “As a retired jockey myself, I see the HeadCheck program as a key solution for elevating the standard of care by creating consistent medical and head-health monitoring for our athletes.”

HeadCheck is a secure HIPAA compliant system that will improve track management by allowing clear and immediate communication of suspected injuries and jockey health status. This program will help ensure nothing slips through the cracks and all jockeys receive appropriate care before returning to ride.

“We are proud to be joining this initiative and committed to the health and safety of our jockeys,” said Eric Johnston, Director of Racing Operations at Penn National Race Course.

HeadCheck's goals align with the industry's: provide a comprehensive system that will save time, reduce the risk of non-compliance to concussion and injury protocols, and improve outcomes for injured riders.

To learn more, visit headcheckhealth.com or contact Eric VanderHelm directly at evanderhelm@headcheckhealth.com or (604) 373-0035.

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Penn Mile Returns In 2021; Race Scheduled For May 28 At Penn National

Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course announced today that the $300,000 Grade 2 Penn Mile and the $100,000 Penn Oaks will return again to the Grantville, Pennsylvania turf course after a one-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 shut down. The 2021 Penn Mile card will be contested on a Friday for the first time with the event slated for May 28.

“We are excited to once again offer the Penn Mile as it signals a return to normalcy,” said Eric Johnston, Director of Racing Operation for Penn National. “The race has quickly established itself on the national racing calendar by bringing the best horses, horsemen and jockeys to central Pennsylvania while also helping to establish some of the highest betting handles in Penn National history.”

The Penn Mile, first run in 2013, quickly achieved Grade 3 status in 2015 and was minted as a Grade 2 in 2017 by attracting notable Grade 1 winners such as Catch a Glimpse, Bobby's Kitten and Force the Pass. The 2019 edition of the Penn Mile produced the second largest betting handle in Penn National's 49 year history with the top five all-time wagering handles at Penn National Race Course all having occurred on the Penn Mile racing program.

“We are pleased with the success of the Penn Mile and appreciate the recognition it brings for our racing program, as a whole,” said Todd Mostoller, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania HBPA.

First Post for the day is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. EDT, with the Penn Oaks, also at one mile on the turf, being run at approximately 7:15 P.M. and the Penn Mile at 7:45 P.M.

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Penn National Takes 93 Entries Over Nine Races For June 19 Reopening

Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Penn. is pleased to announce the return of live Thoroughbred racing on Friday, June 19 following a near three-month hiatus. A total of 93 entries hit the overnight for the nine-race card which features a pair of turf sprints and a $2,537.87 carryover in the Pick 5 starting in Race 5.

Penn National last conducted live racing on Saturday, March 14 with the track and casino closing their doors on March 16 in response to COVID-19.

“It has been a long process for everyone – horsemen, employees and guests – to get back to this point to restarting live racing but we are grateful for the response to our returning card,” said Eric Johnston, Director of Racing Operations.

Live racing into early July will be conducted on Wednesdays and Fridays with a first post of 6:00 P.M. EST. An expanded racing schedule will be reviewed based on horse supply and available purse revenues going forward.

COVID -19 mitigation protocols approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission have been put into effect covering all individuals associated with racing and include mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing and limits on individuals permitted in the racing related areas. For the opening weekend the track apron will not be open for the general public and only licensed trainers and grooms shall be permitted in the paddock area for their specific races only.

The third-floor simulcast area will be open for simulcast wagering and viewing of live races starting June 19 and will be open seven days a week. Capacity limits will be enforced. The gaming areas at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course will reopen at 9:00 A.M. on Friday, June 19. More information on the casino and racetrack reopening can be found at www.hollyywoodpnrc.com.

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