The Jockeys' Guild held its Annual Assembly virtually for active Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys on January 13, 2026.
Members were provided with an overview of the organization's activities and achievements in the previous year, as well as various initiatives the Guild has and will continue to pursue.
The most significant announcement made was Johnny Velazquez, who served as Chairman of the Guild for more than 20 years and as Co-Chair with Mike Smith since 2018, would be stepping down from that role. However, Velazquez will remain actively involved with the Guild as a Board member.
"There are absolutely no words to adequately recognize Johnny Velazquez and all that he has done," said Hall of Fame jockey and longtime Guild Co-Chair, Mike Smith. "On behalf of the Guild and our members, we cannot thank him enough for his unwavering commitment, endless time, and relentless effort, not only on behalf of the jockeys and the Guild, but the industry as a whole. Although Johnny is stepping down as co-chair, he will remain on the Board and be active in the organization."
"I am proud of the strides that have been made in the areas of respect for the riders and the benefits that have been achieved over the years I presided as Chairman and as Co-chairman of the Guild," said Velazquez. "I look forward to being a part of the Guild and helping any way I can as a new generation takes the helm."
Following the announcement of Velazquez vacating the role as Co-chair, the members elected Mike Smith and Javier Castellano as Co-chairs, Joe Bravo, James Flores, and Julien Leparoux as Co-vice chairs, Tyler Gaffalione as Secretary, and Julien Leparoux as Treasurer. In addition, Alex Birzer, James Graham, Rodney Prescott, and John Velazquez will serve on the Board of Directors.
"I am so honored and appreciate Johnny, along with our Board, for having the confidence in me to join Mike as Co-Chair," said Hall of Fame jockey, Javier Castellano. "Every single jockey is forever indebted to Johnny for where we are today. I am committed to representing the jockeys and the Guild in the best way possible."
"It has been my privilege to know Johnny personally for more than 30 years and worked with him closely for almost two decades as Chairman of the Guild," said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO. "Through his leadership, the Guild was able to overcome many challenges and regain the respect of the industry leaders. I admire him and hold him in the highest regard and greatly appreciate all he has done for the jockeys and the industry. He has been, and will continue to be, an integral member of the Guild."
As a result of the retirement of legendary jockey, Frankie Dettori, Edgard Zayas was appointed by the Board to fill the vacancy in the Eastern Region of the Senate. The meeting also covered several key topics, including a presentation by Corey Johnsen to explore new revenue opportunities for the Guild, as well as individual jockeys.
Dan Waits, Executive Director of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America, gave an update the Chaplaincy throughout the country, with 49 chaplains across 53 locations, including a new placement at Fairmount Park. Dan provided the members with insight of a trip, along with the Guild and HISA, to Washington, D.C., to advocate for jockeys' health and well-being. The Guild has a strong appreciation for the working relationship between the two organizations and all of the benevolent efforts put forth by the Chaplains.
Matt Nielsen, Financial Advisor and Co-Founder of Emerson Family Office, provided an update and information regarding the retirement plan established in 2017 and available for Guild members, highlighting its significant growth over the past few years. Enrolled jockeys are able to contribute to their individual plan either through the horsemen's bookkeeper at a number of participating racetracks or direct contributions. We encourage our members to participate.
Karey Colwell gave a presentation on a new website and communication platform being developed, which will provide members with easier access to information and resources.
The Guild has recently retained the services of Alyson Onyon, MS, RDN, CSSD, Director of Performance Nutrition at Syracuse University. Onyon shared her plans to implement a nutrition education program for jockeys, focusing on performance nutrition, and weight management. Onyon will be representing the Guild with HISA and their commitment to jockey safety and wellness.
The meeting also included discussions on the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, led by its President, Joe Clabes, who shared updates on the fund's growth and goals moving forward, including the Dollar Start Initiative and the implementation of the Riders Up program. Through the longstanding "Dollar Start Initiative", in which jockeys contribute one dollar per mount, approximately $50,000 is raised annually. The Guild continues to encourage the jockeys to participate through the horsemen's bookkeeper at their tracks. It is through efforts such as these, as well as the jockeys and their participation in fundraising events, that the PDJF was able to increase the stipends for the recipients.
In a closed session, the members reviewed 2025 financials and the approved 2026 budget.
As a part of the Guild's ongoing commitment to transparency to its members and the industry, Ben Dennison, Senior Associate of the auditing firm, Cherry Bekaert provided the members with an overview of the most recent audit. Cherry Bekaert has been the Guild's auditing firm since 2012.
Members were also informed of staff changes to the Guild.
John Beech, who has served as a regional manager for over 35 years after his retirement from riding, will become a consultant for the Guild. John was recognized for his dedication to the Guild as an individual that truly personifies the organization.
Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of the Guild announced the promotion of Mindy Coleman to Vice-President of the Guild. She will continue to serve in her role as counsel.
"Mindy has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Guild and its members since joining the Guild staff in 2009," said Meyocks. "This promotion is well deserved."
Additionally, the Guild acknowledged its members who had passed in the previous year: Abner Sorrows, Gerard Edward Ailes, Richard Lull, Barrington Harvey, Ron Turcotte, Phil Ernest, and Michael J. Carrozzella. The assembly also recognized the passing of Johnny Velazquez's father in law, legendary New York Trainer, Leo O'Brien.
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