Rider dislodgement events and participation outcomes in U.S. steeplechase racing: implications for jockeys and horses

Abstract Background Steeplechase jockeys compete in a high-risk environment in which horses and riders must clear fixed obstacles at racing speed. Although rider dislodgement events are recognized hazards, little epidemiologic research has examined their incidence or their consequences for participation among riders or horses. Methods This retrospective observational study used publicly available race charts from National Steeplechase Association races conducted in the United States between 2023 and 2025. Flat races, apprentice-only races, and Steeplethon races were excluded. Rider dislodgement events were defined as falls or lost-rider events. Event rates were calculated per 1,000 starts, and Poisson regression compared timber and hurdle races. Work interruption was defined as ≥ 30 days during the active racing season. For November events, return in March was classified as < 30-day interruption, whereas return in April or later was classified as ≥ 30-day interruption; November 2025 events were administratively censored due to incomplete follow-up. Riders with 2023–2024 events and no subsequent start through 2025 were classified as not returning. Horse outcomes were evaluated using ≥ 60-day interruption and non-return to jump racing. Results Among 3,072 starts by 82 riders, 187 dislodgement events occurred (60.9 per 1,000 starts). Rates were higher in timber than hurdle races (103.5 vs 51.8 per 1,000; incidence rate ratio 2.00, 95% CI 1.46–2.73). Of 173 evaluable events, 26 (15.0%) were followed by interruption. At the rider level, 19 of 44 riders with at least one dislodgement event (43.2%) experienced ≥ 30-day interruption. Among riders with 2023–2024 events and sufficient follow-up (n = 38), 7 (18.4%) did not return to jump racing. Among horses, 26 did not return to jump racing after events in 2023–2024, including five fatalities. Conclusions Rider dislodgement events are common and more frequent in timber races. While most riders return quickly, a subset experience interruption or non-return, indicating variable but meaningful occupational impact. Horse outcomes suggest that these events may also be associated with cessation of jump racing. These findings support surveillance approaches that incorporate participation-based outcomes to better characterize injury burden in jump racing.