Horsemen’s Health System Update On Operational Protocols

The Horsemen’s Health System, funded by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Jockey Club, has been a major success since its launch more than six years ago. The MedStar Health doctors who are on site at Maryland Thoroughbred tracks on all live racing days have provided an invaluable service for the jockey colony, backstretch workers, trainers and racetrack employees—and even saved lives through proactive measures.

The Horsemen’s Health System physicians specialize in sports medicine but several also have family practices under MedStar Health. Their contributions to the Maryland racing industry are just part of their overall schedules. The MTHA sincerely thanks Drs. Kelly Ryan, Jason Pothast, Joseph Brodine and Christian Glaser, as well as others who have manned the racetrack medical offices over the years, for providing such an important service.

In order to maximize the services provided by the Horsemen’s Health Systems, it’s necessary that protocol be followed. The medical office at Laurel Park also serves as the horsemen’s office for those doing business during live racing, unlike a regular medical office.

MedStar Health has a contract with the MTHA and MJC. When the doctors arrive each day, their first priority is to visit the jockeys’ room before the live racing program begins. Many of them also like, when possible, to be outside watching races in case there is an incident on the track.