Should Craig Williams be allowed to ride in the Doncaster Mile?

Craig Williams
                          Craig Williams may come back just a week after being concussed. Picture: Racing.com

VETERAN jockey Craig Williams will ride $17 chance Tosen Stardom in Saturday’s Doncaster Mile, providing he can pass a concussion test prior to race day.

It was initially thought that Williams – who was knocked unconscious after a fall on The Gold Trial in Saturday’s Mornington Cup – would be ruled ineligible from this weekend’s action due to Victorian stewards seven-day stand-down rule prior to a cognitive test.

Despite spending a night in hospital following the fall, Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel said if Williams passed his cognitive test this week, he would be deemed eligible to ride on Saturday.

“He won’t have to wait the seven days. As long as he passes the appropriate concussion test by specialists he will be able to ride,” Van Gestel said.

Williams will see Racing Victoria’s jockey’s doctor Gary Zimmerman on Friday in an attempt to gain clearance for Saturday’s meet.

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If Williams is cleared, has the racing industry set a dangerous precedent?

Is racing living in the dark ages?

After the NFL were sued by former players due to concussions incurred throughout a playing career, compounded by an increase into research surrounding brain trauma, just about every sport the world over has gotten a lot more serious about concussions.

It seems the racing industry did not get the memo.

Obviously the seven day stand-down rule is not set in stone, given Racing NSW’s declaration that Williams will be eligible to ride if he passes the cognitive test.

That is it, this is all the veteran jockey needs to do.

Is that the right decision?

Take a look at the AFL’s protocol as a point of reference.

According to the AFL community club guideline page, there is a six-step system in place that players must check off before they can return to the playing field.

1. Rest until symptoms recover (includes physical and mental rest)

2. Light aerobic activity (e.g. walking, swimming or stationary cycling) – can be commenced 24-48 hours after symptoms have recovered

3. Light, non-contact training drills (e.g. running, ball work)

4. Non-contact training drills (i.e. progression to more complex training drills, may start light resistance training. Resistance training should only be added in the later stages)

5. Full contact training – only after medical clearance

6. Return to competition (game play)

Each step requires a 24-hour waiting period until the next one commences.

If the AFL is so progressive on concussion and ensuring their players are cognisant enough prior to gaining clearance to return the field, why is racing being left in the rear view mirror?

A jockey not only has an enhanced chance of injury due to being aboard a horse, they take their, the animal and their competitors’ lives into their hands every time they take to the track. A miniscule mistake has the potential to cause majory injury and even unfortunate death on the racetrack.

If Craig Williams is cleared to race on Saturday it flies in the face of everything competitive sports have been trying to implement over the years.

If something does happen on Saturday due to Williams’ inability to properly assess risks and make astute decisions; wait for the proverbial to hit the fan.

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