Racetrack Lenny

A Racing Industry Disgrace

Sorry, folks. I'm departing from the run up to the Derby to write about one of the more unknown facts of horse racing and how it is totally unaddressed. The issue- lack of health insurance for the jockeys who give us the product we so enjoy.

To the casual observer who will hear of the Jerry Baileys or the Pat Days of the world, the impression is that all jockeys are financially well off and can afford any medical expenses that come their way. Well, think again. The vast majority of jockeys toiling at racetracks across the U.S. are paid a pittance for their services and many hold second jobs just to be able to put food on the table for their families. Jockeys are considered "independent contractors" rather than racetrack employees. In an independent contractor scenario, health insurance is not provided. And, the independent contractor is not eligible for Workers' Compensation insurance because they are not employees. It's the ultimate Catch-22.

Gulfstream Park regular rider, Gary Boulanger, was severely injured last Sunday, 3/6 when his mount, In Hand, took a bad step in the final turn of a turf race and went down. Boulanger was thrown from his mount and trampled by horses following behind. Boulanger suffered a ruptured spleen and a blood clot on his brain, the effects of which remain unknown. Boulanger was upgraded yesterday from critical condition to serious condition at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, FL. However, he faces the reconstruction of part of his skull that had to be removed to relieve pressure on the brain and deal with the blood clot. He faces months of surgeries and lots of physical therapy just to be able to carry out the simple functions of everyday life, let alone get back in the saddle which, sadly, will not happen.

Gary Boulanger has NO health coverage. His expenses are literally being taken care of out of family savings, help from friends, and the establishment of a fund in his name by fellow rider Rosemary Homeister. How sad and disgraceful is that? The owners of tracks around the country get wealthy while the very people who allow their "show" to go on rely on luck to stay healthy.

Please contribute to the Gary Boulanger Fund if you are able. Any checks should be made payable to "Gary Boulanger Fund, Inc." and sent to Ms. Rosemary Homeister, P.O. Box 327595, Pembroke Pines, FL 33332.

You should also write to you local legislators and congressional representatives demanding that the long ignored jockeys be given, at the very least, basic catastrophic health care cover.

Racetrack Lenny

racetrack lenny went to the post at @ 9:39 AM