Jockeys

How to become a Jockey

General

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a Professional or Apprentice jockey, you should firstly discuss your options with your employer who will be able to help you decide the most appropriate licence at this stage of your career. Before making formal application, the Licensing Committee strongly advise you to read the application notes carefully and, if you are in any doubt at all about what is likely to be involved, you should also have a preliminary discussion with the Licensing Department at the IHRB, either by correspondence, telephone or personal interview, before committing yourself to any expenditure.

All first-time applicants must be 16 years of age or over, and for a Professional National Hunt licence you will ideally have gained experience as a Qualified Rider (amateur) or as a Professional jockey in another jurisdiction, and will have a reasonable level of experience. Applicants will have to complete a 2-day induction course in RACE. Following successful completion of the course, applicants are interviewed by the Licensing Committee or their designate, and may also have to complete a pre-licensing riding assessment. Applicants must also complete a medical examination and baseline concussion test.

Apprentice Jockeys - Flat

Apprentice jockeys applying for a licence for the first time should not weigh more than 9st (126 lbs). The application is made jointly by both trainer and jockey. The trainer must also be in also be able to ’guarantee rides’ for the Apprentice. Applicants must also be issued with a ‘minimum riding weight’ (MRW) before a licence is issued. There is a 6-week procedure to obtain a MRW and this involves meeting with the IHRB dietician on two occasions. Apprentice applicants must complete a 2-day induction course in RACE. Applicants with previous experience as a licensed rider or Qualified Rider (Amateur) and RACE graduates may be exempted from the riding assessment which is on the afternoon of day one. Applicants will not be exempt from any other aspect of the course.

Following successful completion of the course, both the apprentice and trainer must attend for interview at the IHRB office. Once a licence is issued, apprentices are initially ‘indentured’ to their employer for a period of 3 years and the terms and conditions of employment are defined in a ‘Deed of Apprenticeship’. Applications should be made well in advance of when you hope to ride as the 2-day induction course is only scheduled every two months.

Professional Jockeys – National Hunt

Professional Jockeys applying for a licence for the first time should not weigh less than 9st 7lbs (133lbs). The application must be supported by at least two licensed Trainers who are willing to verify the competence of the applicant and be in a position to ’guarantee rides’. Applicants will have to complete a 2-day induction course in RACE. Applicants with previous experience as a licensed rider or Qualified Rider (Amateur) and RACE graduates may be exempted from the riding assessment which is on the afternoon of day one. Applicants will not be exempt from any other aspect of the course.

Following successful completion of the course, applicants are interviewed by the Licensing Committee or their designate. Applicants must also complete a medical examination and a baseline concussion test. More details are provided on the application forms. Applications should be made well in advance of when you hope to ride as the 2-day induction course is only scheduled every two months.

If you are granted a licence, you may be restricted to your employer and/or from riding in Steeplechases until you gain suitable experience. New jockeys must also ride in three Handicap Steeplechases before being eligible to ride in a Beginners or Novice Steeplechases.

For further information, please download the application form from our website or contact the Licensing Department by email: licensing@ihrb.ie or telephone 045-445605.

How to become a Qualified Rider

There are three categories of Qualified Riders’ permits – Categories A, B and C. All first-time applicants are only eligible to apply for a Category A permit.

Category (A) permits are further sub-divided between Category A1 and A3.

Those applying for a Category A1 must be 16 years old and those applying for a Category A3 must be 17 years old.

A Category A1 permit allows you to ride in Irish National Hunt Flat Races (Bumpers and pro-ams) only and flat races in which Qualified Riders under Rule 135 are permitted to ride.

A Category A3 permit allows you to ride in all races that a Category A1 permit holder can ride in as well as in Point to Point Steeplechases.

To be considered for a permit, all Applicants must undertake a Practical Test/Assessment and a Course Day. The assessment takes place at the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) in Kildare town on a designated date. It is conducted by two Instructors from RACE and one IHRB Racing Official. The Course Day is lecture based and again takes place at RACE. Lectures cover such areas as the Rules of Racing and Health and Safety. You must have a detailed knowledge of the Rules of Racing and INHS Rules that are applicable to you as a Qualified Rider.

Upon successful completion of both the practical assessment and the course day, a medical exam by an IHRB nominated doctor, a baseline concussion test and the opening of your Horse Racing Ireland account must also be completed before any permit can be issued.

Further details of the baseline concussion test will be supplied once you have successfully completed your practical assessment. For more information on the Concussion Assessment, click here.

Assessments are held approximately every six weeks. To be considered for assessment, a completed application form and medical questionnaire must be returned to the Licensing Department at the IHRB.

To Upgrade your QR Permit

Applicants should have a minimum of 10 rides before consideration will be given for an upgrade from Category A3 to Category B and a further 10 rides before consideration will be given to upgrade from Category B to Category C. Applications for a Category B permit will only be considered from those that have ridden in point to points. This may be reviewed upon proven ability.

A Category B permit entitles you to ride in those races listed under A3 plus Hunter chases and Hurdles & Chases confined to Qualified Riders.

A Category C permit allows you to ride in all races open to Qualified Riders unless the race conditions specifies otherwise, plus 21 races open to professional jockeys in any one season. If you ride a horse owned by your immediate family in races open to professionals, such rides will not count against the 21 rides allowed against professionals.

All upgrade applications are considered and approved by the Licensing Committee.

The licensing year for Qualified Riders starts on the 1st September and ends on the 31st August each year.

For further information, please download the application form from our website or contact the Licensing Department by email: licensing@ihrb.ie or telephone 045-445605.

The Racing Academy and Centre of Education is a training academy for the Irish horseracing industry offering courses for jockeys, stable staff, racehorse trainers, breeders and others involved in the thoroughbred sector. The IHRB employ RACE to deliver educational courses for current and prospective Licensees. They are based in Kildare Town.

Application Forms

Jockey Agents

Pre-Licensing Assessment Dates

Jockey's Obligations (Main Rules)

Jockey's Obligations (Main Rules, Regulations and Obligations)

Riders and all Licensees are reminded that they have an obligation to familiarise themselves with the Rules of Racing and all relevant policies and procedures and to update themselves on a regular basis. Ignorance of the rules is not a defence to non-compliance.

To assist riders, we have created this document for reference and included specific rules. However, you should be aware that this is not an exhaustive list of rules and riders must ensure that they are fully aware of all their obligations and responsibilities. All amendments to the Rules of Racing and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Rules are published in the Irish Racing Calendar and on the website of the IHRB.

Please click here or on any Rule number to access the Rule Book.

Licensing and General Rules

(a) Licences and Permits to Ride
Rule 124, Regulation 1
Includes information on:

Licensing procedure for Riders (Regulation 1)
minimum age limits
medical and minimum riding weight information
Professional and Apprentices Jockeys not allowed to own horses.

Rules 125, 126, 131
Includes information on:

The cost of a Jockeys Licence
The period a licence is issued for
Obligations for Foreign Riders riding in Ireland
A Jockeys right to appoint an Authorised Agent
Jockeys fees (for information on the current riding fee please consult the HRI Directives)

(b) Qualified Rider Permits
Rules 135, 136
Includes information on:

The period a licence is issued for
Licence categories
Riding against Professional Jockeys
Claiming exemption from fees
Restrictions to grant of a licence
Professional Jockeys reverting to Amateur status

(c) Apprentice Jockeys
Rules 150, 151, 152, 153, 154
Includes information on:

The term of an Apprenticeship
The Deed of Apprenticeship
The maximum age of Apprentices
Qualification to ride of 10lb claiming Apprentices
The responsibilities of a Trainer to their Apprentice
Minimum riding weights

Overnight Nomination of Riders

Rule 195, Regulation 3
Includes information on:

Deadline for nominating riders / Failure to nominate a rider
Substitution or replacement of Rider
Nomination of riders on foreign trained horses
Nomination of riders on Reserves
Declaration of riders overweight

Riding Allowances
Rules 52, 69
Includes information on:

Allowance to riders in National Hunt and Flat races
When an allowance cannot be claimed
The period a rider can continue claiming an allowance after reaching the required number of winners
Responsibility of riders to notify the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board after riding a winner abroad

Weighing out and Weighing in
Rules 196, 197, 198, Regulation 10
Includes information on:

The time a rider must present to the Clerk of the Scales
Fine for not presenting within this time
Substitution of a declared rider
Riders gear to be presented when weighing out
Minimum standard of riders’ equipment
Overweight
Requirement to wear mouthguards under I.N.H.S. Rules

Rules 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 233

Who needs to weigh in
If a rider cannot weigh in due to injury
Weighing in overweight / underweight
‘Winner all Right’ announcement

Starting
Rules 205, 206, 208, 209, 211
Includes information on:

Requirements to be at the start at the appointed hour
Starting procedures (Rules 208 & 209 for races started by flag, tape or stalls)
Allocation of draw positions
Marker Poles

Running and Riding
Rules 212, 213
Includes information on:

Obligation on rider to ensure that his horse runs on its merits and that the rider is also seen to have given the horse the full opportunity of obtaining the best possible placing
Improvement in Form
Powers of the Stewards and Senior Racing Officials to consider evidence in relation to the Running and Riding of a horse
Powers of the Stewards to restrict a horse from running for up to 90 days as a result of the actions of a rider or a trainer
Requirement to report anything that may have affected a horse’s performance

Riding Offences
Rule 214, Regulation 10
Includes information on:

Interference during a race
Dangerous riding
Careless riding
Improper riding
Whip offences (Regulation 10.3, 10.4)

Rules Relating to Races
Rules 215, 216
Includes information on:

Running the wrong side of a doll or missing an obstacle
Re-mounting

Suspension of Riders
Rule 270
Includes information on:

Commencement of a suspension following sanction
Racedays a suspension will apply to
Rules regarding suspensions of 3 days or less
Deferral of a suspension

Appeals
Rules 256, 257, 258, 259, 260
Includes information on:

How to make an appeal against the decision of the Acting Stewards, the Referrals Committee or the Licensing Committee
The timeframe for making an appeal
The cost of an appeal

Rules relating to the Good Reputation of Horseracing
Rules 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276
Includes information on:

Conduct of riders
Bribes, betting on horses to win and laying horses to lose
Association of riders with Betting Organisations on racecourses
Corrupt and fraudulent practices
Acting in manner which is likely to damage the reputation of Horseracing in Ireland
Disqualified persons

Dope Testing / Alcohol breath testing of Riders
Rules 277, 278, 279, 280, Regulation 7
Includes information on:

Responsibility of a Rider in relation to Doping / Alcohol offences
Responsibility of a Rider to acquaint themselves with procedural guidelines and with all banned substances and banned methods
Definitions as to when a Doping offence occurs
The procedure following receipt of a Dope Test
Sanctions for riders determined to have committed a Doping Offence
Alcohol testing standard operating procedures (Regulation 7)
Anti-doping procedures (Regulation 7)
Listing of banned substances and methods

Jockeys Accident Fund and Qualified Riders Accident Fund

(a) Jockeys Accident Fund
Rule 295, Regulation 2
Includes information on:

A Riders contribution to the Jockeys Accident Fund (JAF)
Eligibility for payment
Rates of payment
Maximum limit for Physiotherapy and Dental treatment
Maximum period a jockey can be paid for
How to qualify for enhanced weekly income continuance and the rates of payment

(b) Qualified Riders Fund
Rule 296, Regulation 17

Eligibility for payment
Maximum period a Rider can be paid for
Maximum limit for Physiotherapy and Dental treatment

Riders Equipment
Regulation 10
Includes information on:

Body Protectors
Chin Straps
Skull Caps
Irons, Whips and Spurs

Concussion
Regulation 11
Includes information on:

Frequency of Baseline Concussion testing
Procedures for dealing with concussion
Post-concussion evaluation

Jockey's Obligations (Overseas Riders)

All Overseas riders must report to the IHRB Medical Officer on duty when they arrive on track.

Riders equipment must meet the standards set out in IHRB Regulation 10 as follows:

RIDERS’ EQUIPMENT

BODY PROTECTORS
Under Rule 198 (v), any Body Protector you wear must meet the minimum standard allowed which is EN13158:2009 Level 2. It is not permissible to have an attachment between the Body Protector and the saddle or girths. All Body Protectors must be worn with a harness (crotch strap) in all races. It is a breach of the rules for a Body Protector to be modified in any way and it must be in a serviceable condition.
CHIN STRAPS
In addition to wearing a Skull Cap and an approved Body Protector, all Riders when mounted on horses must have their chin straps properly adjusted and fastened at all times. Failure to comply with the above order may result in disciplinary action being taken by the Stewards.
SKULL CAPS
The only Skull Cap pattern approved is one which is constructed to meet one of the following specifications: PAS015:2011, SNELL E2016, VG1 01.040 2014-12, UTAC/CRITT 04/2015 and it must fulfil the following criteria:
(a) Have a CE marking.
(b) Be in a serviceable condition
(c) Have a full liner made of polystyrene or similar impact absorbent material.
(d) Must not have a chin cup, cradle or draw lace.
(e) The chin strap must pass under the jaw and be attached to the harness by a quick release buckle. Metal hooks are expressly forbidden.
(f) Must be of the correct size for the individual Rider; the face harness must be correctly adjusted and the chin strap fastened at all times when mounted on a horse. Riders should also note that as Skull Caps are designed for “single impact only” any Skull Cap which has been subjected to a severe impact or has been worn by a Rider suffering concussion should not be regarded as serviceable and should be replaced.
STIRRUP IRONS
Under Rule 198 (iii)(b), only stirrup irons which have been manufactured from aluminium, carbon fibre, steel, technopolymer or titanium are allowed be used.
WHIPS AND SPURS
(i) Any whip you use in a race must be air-cushioned and must conform to the following specifications:
- the maximum length (including flap) cannot exceed 70 centimetres
- binding within 17 centimetres of the end of the flap is not allowed
- the minimum diameter for a whip must be 1 centimetre
- the overall weight must not exceed 160 grams
- the contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6 millimetres
- the downward vertical tip deflection, caused by a 1 kg mass located 57cm from the clamped end of a riding whip, shall be between 12-15cm
(ii) The use of worn whips is prohibited
(iii) The use of the whip in the following circumstances is forbidden:
- The hitting of a horse in front of the saddle while the whip is held in the forehand position, unless exceptional circumstances prevail.
- The unnecessary hitting of a horse after its chance of winning or being placed is clearly gone.
- The unnecessary hitting of a horse that clearly has its race won or has obtained its maximum placing.
- The hitting of a horse after the Winning Post has been reached.
- The hitting of a horse other than down the shoulder or on the hind quarters.
- The hitting of a horse with excessive force or frequency.
- The use of the whip with the arm above shoulder height

Having used the whip, the rider should give his mount time to respond.

When deliberating whether there was improper use of the whip in relation to “excessive frequency” the Stewards may take into consideration:

a) the rapid use of the whip without regard to the stride of the horse and/or
(b) whether the number of hits was reasonable and necessary over the distance they were given, taking into account the horse’s experience.

The Stewards have been instructed to bring before them any Rider who appears to have used the whip in any of the forbidden ways. If the Stewards are satisfied that a breach has occurred, then the matter will be dealt with in accordance with Rule 14(i) and (ii).

Where Stewards are satisfied that riding instructions given by Trainers or Owners have contributed to a breach of these Regulations, then such persons will be liable to disciplinary action in accordance with Rule 14(i) and (ii).

In the investigation of alleged breaches of this Regulation, the Veterinary Officer will be asked to clinically examine the horse.

The use of spurs while riding in a race is absolutely forbidden.

LICENCE REQUIREMENTS Rule 125 (vi)

(a) A Rider who currently holds a licence or permit to ride issued by a foreign Turf Authority shall not be permitted to ride in Ireland unless he signs a declaration at scale agreeing to be bound by the Rules of Racing and I.N.H.S. Rules and stating the country from which he holds a current licence or permit, the type of licence or permit held, and that he is free from injury and not subject to any suspension or medical restriction imposed by a Turf Authority at the time of signing
(b) Any Rider who currently holds a licence or permit to ride issued by a foreign Turf Authority shall be entitled to ride in any race under these Rules for which his licence or permit would qualify him to ride, if it were being run under the Rules of the Turf Authority which issued his licence or permit, subject to such restrictions or conditions as the Licensing Committee may consider appropriate.
(c) A Rider shall not ride on any Raceday on which he has been suspended from riding by the Stewards, the Referrals Committee or the Appeals Body, subject to the provisions of Rule 270 or on any Raceday which coincides with a race day in a foreign jurisdiction on which he has been suspended from riding by the foreign Turf Authority, subject to the provisions of Regulation R18.
(d) The Directors of the IHRB in their absolute discretion may refuse to permit a Rider to ride in Ireland who holds a licence to ride issued by a foreign Turf Authority which has not agreed to implement in full the provisions of Article 10 of the International Agreement on Breeding Racing and Wagering.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

The IHRB carries out drug and alcohol testing at some racemeetings. Riders are randomly selected for drug testing. If alcohol testing is taking place, all riders will be required to pass a test before being allowed to ride. Further information on drug and alcohol testing is contained in Regulation R7 or on our website here.

Foreign riders should also familiarise themselves with the rules pertaining to riding in Ireland which can be found under the ‘Jockeys Obligations (main rules)’. Also, upon arrival at the racecourse on the day of your intended engagement, please inform the Stewards Secretaries on duty. They can advise and answer any specific questions you have in relation to the relevant rules regarding starting, marker poles and general race-riding rules.

Drug / Alcohol Testing of Riders

Drug and alcohol testing of jockeys is carried out by testers who are contracted by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board to provide the service.

The emphasis in racing is on testing jockeys for any product that is performance impairing (e.g. alcohol, cocaine and cannabis). Therefore, the focus is on providing a safe environment for competition in one of the most dangerous of all professional sports. Any impairment of performance could not only pose a serious risk to the safety of the jockey concerned but it could also put other jockey’s lives at risk.

Testing days are split between urine-only testing days and breathalyser-only testing days.

On urine testing days, up to 10 riders are selected and the urine is tested for banned substances and methods listed in the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List.

On a breathalyser testing day, all the jockeys riding at that particular meeting will be tested , and anyone failing the test will be stood down from riding for the day and the rider may be referred to the Referrals Committee. Further disciplinary action will depend on the levels of alcohol found.

On an annual basis, Riders are required to declare any medication they are taking at the time of their licence renewal. Riders must also declare any medication they are taking to the testers.

REFERRALS COMMITTEE STATEMENT

All Riders should note the statement issued by the Referrals Committee following hearings on 30th November 2017.

The statement reads as follows:
“We can't have another night like tonight where we had to deal with the referral of three riders, out
of the eight riders that were randomly tested, who tested positive for banned substances on the same
day. This represents in the region of 10% of the number of jockeys who rode at the meeting in
question. This is unacceptable for racing. To date we have tried to impose punishments with an
encouragement to undertake rehabilitation. This has worked in individual cases but it is clear that
the deterrent effect of the penalties imposed to date is not enough. We are asking Denis Egan, in his
capacity as Chief Executive of the Turf Club to write to all the representative bodies to say that in
future the starting point for penalties for similar offences will be a four year ban plus whatever
follows. There will be no coming back in six months except in very exceptional circumstances. What
is currently happening cannot continue.
There is support available for any rider who needs it and they can contact the Senior I.H.R.B.
Medical Officer, Dr. Jennifer Pugh in the strictest of confidence if they need help and we
would strongly encourage them to do so”.

How to Appeal

How to make an Appeal

1. A decision of the Race Day Stewards:

Under Rule 256 of the Rules of Racing a decision of the Stewards on race day may be appealed by an Owner, Trainer or Rider of any horse running in the race or any person who has been subject of a decision.
Appeals must be made within 48 hours of the decision to the I.H.R.B by submitting the following:
1. a notice of appeal setting out the specific reasons for the appeal; and
2. deposit of €500.
Notice of Appeal should be addressed to the I.H.R.B and emailed to disciplinary@ihrb.ie.
This appeal will be a full re-hearing of the matter and the decision of the Appeals Body will be final.
The Appeals Body can confirm the original decision, vary the decision including the sanction or reverse it. Any variation of the sanction may include an increase of a penalty but only within the limits imposed under Rule 14.
If the 48 hours expires on a weekend day or Bank Holiday, the deadline will extend to the first business day the office is open for business.

2. A decision of the Referrals Committee or Licensing Committee

The subject of the decision or any affected person can appeal the decision of the Referrals Committee or Licensing Committee
Appeals must be received within 7 days of the decision being appealed and must have the following:
1. a notice of appeal setting out the specific reasons for the appeal; and
2. deposit of €500
Notice of Appeal should be addressed to the I.H.R.B and emailed to disciplinary@ihrb.ie.
Appeals Body can determine the appeal on the basis of a transcript of the original hearing as certified by the Chairperson.
Appeals Body may require a hearing of an appeal if they deem it necessary or on application of any party.
Person making the appeal can express a view as to which Division of the Appeals Body should hear the appeal under Rule 19C(6) however this is not determinative.

3. General Points to Note

Powers of the Referrals Committee are set out under Rule 19A
Powers of the Licensing Committee are set out under Rule 19B
Powers of Appeals Body are set out under Rule 19C
Any person appearing before the Licensing Committee, Referrals Committee or Appeals Body is entitled to have their case presented by a legal representative or by a designated official of a recognised Association under Rule 259.
Please also refer to Rules 258, 267, 268 and 269 in respect of appeals

How to change suspension dates

Concussion Assessment / Guidelines / Protocols

CONCUSSION ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL

Baseline Concussion Testing

All jockeys / riders will have baseline testing every two years.

Flat jockeys working abroad for the Winter/Spring will be required to have completed testing within 2 weeks of their return.

This will take place at one of 3 regional centres. These centres will be located in private (independent) clinics or G.P. surgeries and trained nurses at each location will carry out the NP testing on behalf of the I.H.R.B. Each jockey/rider will be required to

complete a computerised Neuro-psychological (NP) test (Cogstate) - http://cogstate.com
a series of pen and paper tests (SCOLP, Digit Span, SDMT:Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Colour Trails, STROOP)
GAD7 and PHQ9 Questionnaires

– the whole process will take about 60 minutes to complete.

The various tests will then be evaluated by one of a team of Clinical Neuro-psychologists retained by the I.H.R.B.

Standard Assessment of Concussion

(post event, on-course) - Concussion Assessment Tool –SCAT 5.

Whenever a jockey/rider suffers a fall, the doctor in attendance at the racecourse/ point to point will carry out a standardised medical assessment.

This will involve a set of screening questions and a tandem balance test.

A more detailed neurological evaluation using SCAT 5 will be used where concussion is suspected. The jockey / rider considered to be concussed will be stood down from race riding while the evaluation is being carried out.

In every case, the doctor will be required to make a definitive diagnosis in regard to concussion – YES / NO. If a diagnosis of concussion is made the jockey/rider will be stood down for a minimum of 6 days.

Post-concussion evaluation

(fitness to return to race riding)

Any jockey/rider who is diagnosed as having suffered concussion will be required to undergo a detailed evaluation before being allowed to return to race riding:

Within 72 hours referral to Santry Sports Centre or an equivalent centre for:

•   Full clinical evaluation including SCAT 5
•   GAD7 and PHQ9 Questionnaires
•   Exercise Test (Buffalo protocol)
•   Balance test on force plates
•   Individualised presentation-specific rehabilitation i.e. vestibule-ocular etc.

Day 6
1.   Cogstate
2.
•   Full clinical evaluation including SCAT 5
•   GAD7 and PHQ9 Questionnaires
•   Exercise Test (Buffalo protocol)
•   Balance test on force plates

The reports from both of these examinations will be sent to the I.H.R.B Senior Medical Officer who will then be responsible for deciding if the jockey/rider can safely be allowed to return to race riding, or if a further period of rehabilitation is required.

If the NP tests are judged by the neuropsychologist to be abnormal i.e. a failure to return to baseline levels, or if the jockey /rider fails the Sports Physician / Sports Physiotherapist assessments, he / she will be stood down for a further 14 days and the rehabilitation programme continued, after which repeat post-concussion evaluation as on Day 6 will take place.

If the jockey / rider has not recovered fully by Day 20 they will be referred to the I.H.R.B Neurologist for assessment.

For a concussed rider who is hospitalized following the initial fall they will undergo the “Day 6” assessment as soon as they are fit to do so.

All jockeys / riders will be subjected to the same concussion assessment at the time of injury and to the same post-concussion evaluation to determine when they are ready to return to race riding.

Concussion Centres

Concussion Protocol for Licensed Riders

All Qualified Riders are required to complete a Baseline Concussion Test once every 2 years.
To comply with this, you need to contact one of the centres listed below and make an
appointment to complete the test.
If you require directions to the centre please ask when you are making your appointment. There
is no charge for this test. Please bring some photo ID with you on the day of testing.
If you have any queries please call Senior IHRB Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Pugh (087 2788717)
or contact me at the IHRB (045-445605 / marianne.waters@ihrb.ie)

Mallow, Co. Cork

Mallow – Red House Family Practice, Mallow Primary Health Care Centre, Mallow Business
Park, Mallow, Co Cork P51 PE00.
Tel :- 022 – 21478
Contact email if necessary: redhouse@mphc.ie

Naas, Co. Kildare

Naas - Vista Primary Care Centre, Ballymore Eustace Road, Naas, Co Kildare
Tel:- 045 – 848701 / 086 0282977
Contact Persons if necessary: Maria Lloyd

Santry, Co. Dublin

Santry - Sports Surgery Clinic, Unit 10 Gulliver’s Retail Park, Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9
Tel:- 01 - 5262030
Contact email if necessary: SportsMedicineSSC@upmc.ie

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Sports Medicine NI, Unit 3, 40 Montgomery Road, Belfast BT6 9HL
Tel:- 028 90190290
Contact email if necessary: info@sportsmedicineni.com

Link Addiction & Recovery Video

Safety Details - Helmets & Body Protector

Standards for Overseas Riders