Research in Ireland is set to explore both jockey and trainer mental health over the coming weeks, with a goal to examine the prevalence of mental health issues and factors which may influence the risk of developing mental health issues. With one in four people experiencing a mental health issue during a 12-month period, it is easy to see why this research is of such importance.

A few years ago it was found that jockeys reported depressive symptoms at a much higher prevalence rate than sports such as rugby and soccer. The findings of that study have led PhD student Lewis King (Waterford Institute of Technology) to undertake a series of projects examining mental health amongst jockeys, with this second study key to the development of future, bespoke support programmes for jockeys.