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The BHA's medical team will look at

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The British Horseracing Authority's medical team will from next month look at "better ways to manage concussion" by imposing more rigorous testing on jockeys.

In an interview with the Times, BHA chief medical adviser Dr Jerry Hill said riders will have to undergo a three-part test of balance - an issue known to be affected during a concussion - when they apply for their yearly professional licence.

More stringent background checks on historical problems regarded as potential contributory factors to concussion, such as depression and migraines, will also come into effect from August 1.

Hill said: "One of the challenges is that if you are concussed you may not realise your balance is affected.

"It is not until it is tested objectively that you find it is a problem. For a jockey, balance is obviously crucial.

"There will be some people who are naturally better with their balance than others so having a baseline is important for comparison."

Hill also revealed plans for more exhaustive testing for symptoms associated with concussion when a jockey suffers a fall on a racecourse.

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All jockeys, both over jumps and on the Flat, are already checked by medics for concussion when they fall, but the BHA is keen to impose retesting on a raceday - even if a rider has been given the all-clear to immediately return to the saddle.

Hill said: "We are trying to pick up this concept of delayed concussion.

"What we need to make sure is that across the industry everyone appreciates there are better ways to manage concussion."

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The BHA said in a statement that riders involved in a heavy fall can be retested a second time - approximately 25 to 30 minutes after the initial screening.

Track-side concussion management will be extended to assess a rider's balance, while a sport-specific screening test for possible related symptoms like nausea, confusion and blurred vision has also been established.

In the longer term, the BHA is working on a programme of education which will be designed to inform not only jockeys, but any relevant individuals who work within the sport about how to diagnose concussion and the risks of continuing to ride when suffering from concussion.

Hill said: "For some time British racing has been recognised as pioneers when it comes to concussion management, as you would expect from a sport which carries an above average risk of concussion injury.

"However, it is essential that a sport should not be complacent about the management of such a serious issue as concussion.

"It is my intention that in British racing we provide our jockey athletes with the appropriate guidance, treatment and care.

"This is why I am personally putting a renewed focus on the support these athletes receive in injury management as well as well-being, nutrition and mental health.

"The enhancements to our concussion management protocols will help reduce the risk of jockeys continuing to ride while suffering from a concussion.

"It will also aid their safe return to riding following a concussion injury."

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