Australian Jockeys To Undergo Extended Stand-Down Period After Concussion Diagnosis

News — Thu, 20 May 2021 20:34:54 +0000

Jockeys in Victoria, Australia will now be required to stand down for 12 days if diagnosed with a concussion, reports justhorseracing.com.au. The stand down period was increased from the previous seven days on the advice of Racing Victoria doctor Gary Zimmerman.

The 12-day period puts Racing Victoria on par with the Australian Football League.

“We have seen a lot of athletes in the AFL, they want to avoid being diagnosed with concussion because they know there will be an automatic stand-down and they can't play a game the following week,” said Matthew Hyland, chief executive of the Victorian Jockeys' Association. “But you have to hold the athlete in one hand and then you have to hold the medical advice in the other and you have to try and bring it together and arrive at a satisfactory outcome.

“Sometimes you have to take that out of the athlete's hands.”

matthew hyland | Horse Racing Free Tips

Australian Jockeys To Undergo Extended Stand-Down Period After Concussion Diagnosis