Horsemen's Health System

Maryland Jockey Club, in conjunction with Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, is proud to announce MedStar Health as the official medical partner of Maryland racing. MedStar will also serve as the official physicians for the innovative Horsemen’s Health System, which will provide routine and critical care to Maryland’s licensed horsemen and jockeys.

“We are extremely excited to partner with MedStar Sports Medicine,” said MJC President Sal Sinatra. “Our priority has always been to provide our jockeys and horsemen with a large network of the best sports medicine specialists and we believe this affiliation accomplishes that.”

The Horsemen’s Health System is a creative and modern approach for a health platform that is unrivaled in the racing industry and puts Maryland racing’s medical care on par with other professional sports in the region. This new system will allow licensed horsemen and jockeys to take advantage of the vast MedStar network for their medical care.

Physicians will be available for walk-ins and appointments on racedays from one-hour prior to the first race until the completion of the last race in a new professional setting at Laurel Park. On dark days, MedStar physicians are located within a short few miles of both Laurel Park and Pimlico with hours 365 days a year.

MTHA’s Racetrack Representative Diana Pinones will function as the health administrator for the program and will organize access to the system in English and Spanish. In addition, the new platform will offer a streamlined prescription refill process along with an advanced medical records system (EMR). This sophisticated EMR system will allow external MedStar specialists access to patients records if continuing care is necessary.

Transportation to external providers will also be made available free of charge to horsemen via UBER® ridesharing service if need requires.

More than 55 sports organizations (including the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Nationals, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Baltimore Blast, and US Lacrosse) have chosen MedStar Sports Medicine as their official medical team.

“MedStar Health is known nationally for their advanced patient care,” said MTHA President Tim Keefe. “We’re looking forward to partnering with them and using their medical expertise to keep our horsemen healthy.”

MedStar Sports Medicine, an initiative integrated throughout MedStar Health, is one of the premier sports medicine programs in the country, offering the latest advancements in sports medicine technology. MedStar Sports Medicine has grown to include more than 43 physicians, a team of certified athletic trainers and a network of nurses, therapists, nutritionists, and other clinical support associates at MedStar’s 10 hospitals and its network of community-based healthcare facilities.

In addition, MedStar conducts cardiovascular and head injury research for the National Football League, and offers a sports medicine fellowship program for orthopedic surgeons to learn the art and science of sports medicine.

Treatment of concussions and head injuries will be a major focus of the new program. Medical Director Dr. Frank P. Dawson IV (pictured), who also functions as team physician for the Baltimore Ravens and Morgan State Football, will be implementing advanced, clearly defined concussion protocols for jockeys and horsemen alike in the first few months of operation.

“Concussions are a major problem facing professional sports in this country,” remarked Dr. Dawson. “Medstar is a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury. Our expert sports medicine team, as well as our vast network of sub-specialists, will enable us to provide Maryland jockeys and horsemen with the same level of care that our local professional sports teams receive.”

The Jockey’s Guild, Inc. was consulted in the development of this program and National Manager Terry Meyocks is eager to see the changes.

“The new Horsemen’s Health System is a major leap forward and we greatly appreciate the consideration of MJC and MTHA,” said Meyocks. “Our jockeys are top-notch professional athletes and it’s exciting to see their health care reflect their professionalism. We look forward to working with MedStar and their medical staff.”

The partnership with MedStar will begin with the Laurel Fall meet, which gets under way on Saturday, September 12.