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Racing medics

BMJ 2007; 334 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0703120 (Published 01 March 2007) Cite this as: BMJ 2007;334:0703120
  1. Rebekka Stiasny, final year medical student1
  1. 1Leicester University

Ever thought about working at the race track? Rebekka Stiasny shares her experiences

The popularity of horse racing in Ireland dates back to ancient times. While completing a student placement in Ireland, I discovered that the sport also attracts a lot of medical interest. My supervisor was actively involved in the horseracing scene and worked part time as a racecourse medical officer. Keen to learn more, I spent “a day at the races” and met up with the chief medical officer of the Irish Turf Club 1, Dr Walter Halley. The Irish Turf Club is the regulating body for Irish horse racing and it fulfils the same role in Ireland as the Jockey Club in the United Kingdom. Having originally entered general practice, Dr Halley has been closely involved in horse racing for more than 30 years. He spends a lot of his working life at the racetrack and attends as many as 120 meetings a year.

Medical tour of the Curragh

The Curragh racetrack is the world famous home of Irish horse racing. My tour began with a trip to the ambulance room, which contained two screened beds, a washbasin, wireless connection, and first aid equipment. Its use is intended primarily for jockeys' first aid. A separate first aid area, manned by the Order of Malta, is provided for the general public. This was our next port of call. Voluntary medical back up at Irish race meetings is provided by voluntary groups, including the Order of Malta, the Red Cross, and the St John's Ambulance. At least one of these groups attends every race meeting, and the Order of Malta plays a particularly large role, covering 20 out of the 26 venues.

We also visited the “weights room,” where the jockeys' personal safety equipment is checked while their details are carefully measured and …

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