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HISA Names Anjali Salooja As New Director Of Operations And Compliance

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has named Anjali Salooja Director of Operations and Compliance, the organization said in a release Thursday.

Salooja will oversee all compliance systems and procedures for the organization, ensuring HISA remains compliant with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act at all times. She will also provide daily operational and long-term planning support for new initiatives designed to promote equine and jockey health and safety.

“We couldn't be more pleased to welcome someone of Anjali's talent and experience to HISA,” said CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Her expertise in leading organizational operations and implementing national safety protocols make her an excellent fit to help us further HISA's goals.”

In her most recent role, Salooja served as the National Basketball Association (NBA)'s Vice President and Assistant General Counsel. She oversaw the NBA's Anti-Drug Program and player health and safety efforts for its affiliate leagues, leading coordination with players, medical advisors, coaches, trainers and league staff. Prior to that, Salooja practiced law at Debevoise & Plimpton and worked as an analyst at Goldman Sachs.

“I look forward to helping further HISA's mission by ensuring operational excellence across the growing organization,” said Salooja. “With continued coordination and partnership between the HISA team and racing participants, we can make integrity and safety the top priority in Thoroughbred racing across the country.”

Salooja is an admitted attorney to the New York State Bar Association and a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

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Saunas To Be Removed From British Weighing Rooms

Saunas will be removed from all jockeys' quarters in Britain as part of a long-term programme to modernise weighing rooms that has been developed by a cross-industry group of jockeys, racehorses and the British Horseracing Authority. Weighing room saunas have been closed as part of Covid safety measures since the onset of the pandemic, and 88% of jockeys polled support their removal.

Dr. Jerry Hill, BHA chief medical adviser, said, “Saunas have been out of operation throughout the pandemic, which has presented the opportunity for a wider discussion about their long-term future in the context of making weight safely. Acute dehydration, such as that following sauna use, shortly before racing has been shown to reduce performance as it has a negative impact on reaction time and strength. There have been reports of increased falls and by extension injuries in jockeys who have suddenly dehydrated to make weight.

“There are safe and effective methods of maintaining weight healthily through fitness and nutrition and this bespoke support is available to jockeys through the PJA Nutrition Team as well as at the IJF Centres.”

A set of minimum standards drawn up for jockeys' quarters also includes additional private changing and shower facilities; shared communal rest, food provision and warm-up areas for jockeys; communal working space for valets, and flexibility to adapt changing room sizes for demand.

Racecourse Association Chief Executive David Armstrong said, “The RCA welcomes the announcement of the long-term plan to upgrade weighing rooms across Britain's 59 racecourses. This presents a significant milestone and many months of hard work by the PJA, RCA, BHA plus jockey and racecourse representatives.

“The initial stage of meeting all ongoing safeguarding requirements is due to be completed by February, which will include the welcome removal of saunas. The outcome of this project will be the creation of significantly improved weighing and changing room facilities that are in keeping with other elite and professional sports.”

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Penn National Implements HeadCheck Jockey Health Program

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

HeadCheck is a secure HIPAA compliant system that aims to 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.

Since 2019, HeadCheck–covered in the TDN this March–has worked with various industry stakeholders, customizing its platform to address numerous jockey health issues. Though the program took a backseat to challenges related to COVID-19, HeadCheck has been continuing to adapt the system to be ready for expansion.

“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.”

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

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Jockey Health Day At Delaware Park Focused On ‘Improving The Standard Of Care’

The Delaware Jockeys' Health and Welfare Fund held a jockey health day on Monday, May 24, in the Delaware Park jockeys' quarters. Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance (Premier PT) hosted the event. A team of four doctors and three athletic trainers offered their services for this event; Dr. Kelly Ryan, Dr. Brad Sandela, Dr. Talha Khan, Dr. Chelsea Backer, Athletic Trainers Mandy Minutola, Sam Cutrone and Paige Ezell. Just under 30 jockeys attended the event to undergo physical examinations, baseline concussion testing and onboarding onto the Headcheck Health management system

Premier PT, in partnership with Laurel Racecourse track physician Dr. Kelly Ryan of Medstar, has been utilizing HeadCheck, a web-based end-to-end solution to execute concussion protocols, mitigate risk and support recovery. HeadCheck gives participating racetracks the ability to instantly remove and return jockeys to riding by sharing possible injury alerts, baseline tests, physicals, medical clearances, 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.

Mandy Minutola, Director of Athletic training for Premier Physical Therapy, stated: “The first Jockey Health Day at Delaware Park was a successful step towards improving the standard of care for jockeys in our area. The collaboration of our Athletic Trainers with local sports medicine physicians to put the health and safety of the jockey first and foremost was evident in this event and something we hope was abundantly evident to our jockeys & their families. Premier is honored to provide an Athletic Trainer on all race days and be able to improve the quality of life of the jockeys during and beyond their horse racing careers. Our ultimate goal is to spread this desire to improve care standards across the United States for ALL jockeys.”

Delaware Park has a licensed athletic trainer during live racing with a treatment room located in the jockeys' room. Sam Cutrone, the licensed athletic trainer for Premier PT who has been the onsite athletic trainer since the inception Premier PT program, stated: “Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance is thrilled to be working towards a standard of care for all jockeys and enjoys providing them with the preventative and diagnostic tools that have been long overlooked in the horse racing industry. We hope to improve the quality of life for jockeys both during and beyond their horse racing careers.”

Ed Stegemeier, Chairman of The Delaware Jockeys Health and Welfare Fund, stated: “The Delaware Jockeys Health and Benefit Board is delighted to work with Delaware Park and Premier Physical Therapy in providing services that will add another layer of protective health care for all Delaware jockeys.”

The 77-day Delaware Park meet opens on Wednesday, May 26th and concludes on Saturday, October 16th. Live racing will be conducted Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Thursdays will be added June 24th through September 30th. First-race daily post time is set for 1:15pm.

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