Louisville medical team provides on-site care to keep jockeys safe at Churchill Downs

LOUISIVLLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- While much of the focus during Kentucky Derby season falls on the horses and trainers, the safety and health of jockeys is just as critical — and requires a unique level of care.

That care starts long before the gates open at Churchill Downs.

"Our goal at the end of the day is for the jockeys to be healthy, to run a great race," said Dr. Victor Kremser, co-medical director for Norton Healthcare at Churchill Downs.

Jockeys face year-round demands to maintain peak physical condition, including strict weight requirements that can come with significant mental and physical challenges.

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"They keep their weight down because most of them race year-round," Kremser said. "With that being said, their nutrition may not be the best, and, sometimes, that comes with mental health issues as well."

To address these needs, Norton Healthcare provides on-site care for jockeys. Doctors conduct annual physicals and baseline concussion testing for every jockey racing at Churchill Downs. But the care doesn't stop there — doctors are present at the track to respond to acute injuries, including concussions, which pose serious safety risks.

"When the jockeys do have a concussion, their reaction time is slower and it's just not safe — for themselves, other jockeys or the horses," Kremser said.

Kremser and his team work along the rail during races, ready to act immediately if needed.

"Having everything ready to rock and roll on the premises is very important to get the jockey back on the horse as soon as possible," he said.

A key part of a jockey's recovery process includes "Norton," a mechanical wooden horse used in rehabilitation called an Equicizer. Created by retired jockey Frankie Lovato, it mimics the feel of riding an actual racehorse and helps determine if an injured jockey is ready to return to the track.

"It does feel like they are on an actual racehorse," Kremser said. "So if they can do that, they can probably get on a real racehorse and go race."

The mechanical horse is also used to help jockeys warm up. 

It's a niche level of sports medicine — tailored to what Kremser calls a "special athletic population."

But it's also a job he said he finds deeply rewarding.

"What I love the most is just the camaraderie of everybody involved," he said.

The work of Kremser and the Norton team ensures jockeys have the care they need so every day at the track can be a safer one.

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