Race Riding or Herding?

[ScottJ]

Originally Posted by pointman

NYRA need not worry about being sued for a jockey incident. New York State Law is very clear that a jockey injured while riding a horse, whether in a race or excercising, regardless of just about any circumstance, cannot maintain suit for their injuries as riding horses is covered by the doctrine of assumption of risk which is a complete defense to any suit. It stems from the Ron Turcotte incident in the matter of Turcotte v. Fell and also does not allow suit against a jockey that negligently causes a fall.

Fair point although recent findings from a Queens Judge in 2013 questioned NYRA's ability to use the assumption of risk clause, but your point is very well taken.

My point here was not the lawsuit, but rather the injury down the stretch that will undoubtedly happen. How do you think that would play during opening week at Saratoga? Do you think they would clamp down on the herding at that point?