AQHA Racing champion jockey Ricky Ramirez joins Quarter Horse jockeys Jesus Ayala and James Flores as Western Region senate members of the Jockeys' Guild for 2025-2026.

© StalioneSearch / Greg Thompson

LEXINGTON, KY–JANUARY 21, 2025–The Jockeys' Guild held its Annual Assembly virtually again this year on January 14. The virtual meeting was attended by active Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys from around the country.

Highlights included remarks by Kim Quigley, Onrise CEO discussing the joint effort between the Jockeys' Guild and HISA in conjunction with the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America to offer jockeys access to free mental health services with the on-line platform Onrise.

The program is available to riders who are either covered persons with HISA or Guild members riding in non-HISA states, qualified retired jockeys and the permanently disabled.

Dan Waits, Executive Director of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America gave an update on the programs offered by the Chaplaincy at racetracks around the country.

Legislative updates were presented by the Guild's lobbyists in California, New York, and Kentucky.

Gerald Hall, Founder and Chairman of SportsMEDIA Technology, and Kyle McDoniel of Equibase led a discussion about SMT and its potential use in horseracing.

A review of the jockey's retirement plan was presented, which is available through the horsemen's bookkeeper at numerous racetracks.

Legal updates were discussed by Mindy Coleman, Jockeys' Guild in-house legal counsel.

The members elected John Velazquez and Mike Smith as Co-chairmen, Javier Castellano, Julien Leparoux and James Flores as Co-vice chairmen, Tyler Gaffalione as Secretary and Julien Leparoux as Treasurer.  In addition, Joe Bravo, Drayden Van Dyke, James Graham and Rodney Prescott will serve on the Board of Directors.

Senate members for 2025-2026 are:

Eastern region: Joe Bravo, Kendrick Carmouche, Javier Castellano, Frankie Dettori, Reylu Gutierrez, Flavien Prat, Sheldon Russell, Drayden Van Dyke and John Velazquez.

Central region: Keith Asmussen, Alex Birzer, Stuart Elliott, Julio Felix, Tyler Gaffalione, James Graham, Julien Leparoux, Jareth Loveberry and Rodney Prescott.

Western region: William Antongeorgi, Jesus Ayala (QH), Jose Figueroa, James Flores (QH), Antonio Fresu, Kyle Frey, Juan J. Hernandez, Ricky Ramirez (QH), and Mike Smith.

In a closed session, the members reviewed the 2024 financials and approved the 2025 budget. They also discussed other matters impacting the members and Guild business.