RQ Maternity Support Scheme
The Maternity Support Scheme was introduced in September 2020 to provide financial support for both female jockeys and harness racing drivers during their pregnancies.
Queensland participants are required to cease riding or driving during the final two trimesters of their pregnancies.
With participants unable to access the Federal Government’s Paid Parental Leave Scheme until the birth of their child, RQ’s Maternity Support Scheme was born.
Eligible participants receive an amount equal to the average weekly income they earned from riding or driving in races during the past 12 months, capped at $750 per week for a period of 20 weeks.
To be eligible for the Maternity Support Scheme, Queensland participants must meet the following criteria:
- Is an Australian citizen or permanent resident;
- Is a resident of Queensland;
- Has been licensed with the QRIC as a jockey or a driver for at least 12 months prior to the date they are required to cease riding or driving under the applicable rules of racing;
- Has earned income primarily (at least 60%) from riding or driving in races over the previous 12 month period;
- Does not hold any other type of licence with the QRIC; and
- Has or will have reduced income in the second or third trimester of pregnancy as a result of being required to cease riding or driving under the rules of their respective code of racing.
For more details, click the links below:
Read a recent news story: Female participants continuing to benefit from Maternity Support Scheme
Jockey Nutrition
In the horse racing industry, valuable knowledge about nutrition is often passed down through generations, with experienced senior figures such as trainers, fellow jockeys, and retired jockeys playing a key role in educating and guiding others. This collective wisdom, built on years of practical experience, is an important aspect of the industry.
It is also essential to consider advice from medical professionals, such as dietitians and sports nutritionists, who can provide expert, evidence-based guidance on nutrition and weight management. These professionals bring an unbiased perspective from outside the racing community, challenging myths and offering safer, scientifically backed methods for managing weight and performance.
How Dietitians and Sports Nutritionists Can Support Jockeys
Professionals in nutrition can provide tailored advice in areas such as:
- Effective counselling on the risks of unsafe weight-loss strategies
- Personalized dietary planning to achieve weight reduction while maintaining energy levels
- Realistic weight targets, helping jockeys establish a safe minimum racing weight
- Dietary adjustments for race-day preparation, including:
- Low-residue diets.
- Reducing salt intake.
- Nutritional supplementation to support overall health and optimal performance.
- Monitoring fluid loss during training and competition to ensure adequate hydration.
- Lifestyle adjustments off the track to support long-term well-being.
By combining the practical knowledge passed down within the industry with the expertise of dietitians and sports nutritionists, jockeys can adopt safer and more effective approaches to managing their weight and performance.
Concussion
The Queensland racing industry has introduced a mandatory 12-day stand-down period for jockeys diagnosed with concussion. If a jockey shows signs of concussion during an initial assessment, stewards from the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) will immediately stand them down from their remaining commitments. The rider must then seek a formal medical assessment, and if a concussion diagnosis is confirmed, they must complete the stand-down period and provide a medical clearance before resuming riding activities.
This protocol, developed collaboratively by Racing Queensland, QRIC, the Australian and Queensland Jockeys’ Associations, and the Queensland Ambulance Service, prioritizes participant safety and ensures riders have adequate recovery time. It also enhances the industry’s ability to monitor and address concussion-related trends. The procedure applies to raceday incidents, trials, jump-outs, track gallops, and other trackwork, ensuring thorough oversight of jockey safety. Further details on the new concussion protocol are available here.
National Approved Gear
Racing Australia's National Equipment Register for Horses and Riders provides a unified, nationwide standard for approved gear. Section 2 of the register focuses on rider safety, offering detailed guidelines on approved helmets and vests. Click here to view this information.
Fatigue Management
Fatigue is a significant risk in the racing industry, where early mornings and physically demanding tasks are part of everyday life. As a participant, it’s important to prioritise your own wellbeing by managing your workload, taking regular rest breaks, and ensuring you get enough sleep.
Fatigue isn’t just caused by work-related activities – it can also result from personal commitments, lifestyle choices, and activities outside of work. Balancing these demands is crucial to staying alert and focused throughout your day.
Recognising and managing fatigue is a shared responsibility. While employers and industry leaders can provide guidance, reasonable working hours, and support, it’s equally important for participants to actively monitor their own physical and mental wellbeing. Be aware of the signs of fatigue, such as reduced concentration, slower reaction times, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed.
By working together to minimise fatigue, we can create a safer and healthier environment for everyone in the racing industry. Prioritising self-care and maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life will help ensure you stay safe and perform at your best.
Racing Queensland (RQ) and the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), and key stakeholder groups – the Australian Trainers' Association Queensland (ATA QLD) and the Australian and Queensland Jockeys’ Associations (AJA and QJA) – all conjointly support the following RQ Fatigue Management Guidance Note: RQ Fatigue Management Guidance Note