First appointment for new Jockey Nutrition and Welfare PhD
A PhD co-funded by the British Horseracing Authority and LJMU will commence in October with a full-time three year role for Daniel Martin from the Professional Jockeys Association’s Nutrition Team.
The postgraduate course, based LJMU’s School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, is set to ensure the availability of scientific, robust evidence into the physiology and health of jockeys as well as their nutritional awareness and practices. The intention is to use the findings of the study to create a comprehensive education package on good health and nutritional practices that can be used to support jockeys’ wellbeing and long-term fitness.
Dr Rebecca Murphy, LJMU Subject Head, Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences, said:
"The School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at LJMU is very much looking forward to working in partnership with the British Horseracing Authority to support Daniel Martin through this programme of research. Whilst building upon the fundamental research that has already been conducted by LJMU, the results from this thesis have potential to benefit jockeys throughout the world. Consideration of educational practice alongside factors that determine behaviour change in jockeys will optimise our opportunity to influence nutritional practice in this population."
Daniel Martin is also a Lecturer of Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition and Head of Higher Education (Foundation Degrees and BSc Hons courses) for Sport Programmes at Wakefield College, in partnership with Teesside University. He is also a consultant as a Performance Nutritionist for several professional sports teams including in Rugby League British Athletics and England Hockey. He is based in West Yorkshire and delivers nutrition education and cookery workshops to the jockeys at Northern Racing College, Oaksey and Jack Berry House rehab centres, and racecourses up and down the country. Daniel will continue to be part of the PJA’s nutrition team while involved in the PhD.
Daniel Martin said:
"I'm delighted with my appointment at LJMU. I believe my experience in both education and history of working with jockeys as a Performance Nutritionist with the PJA compliment the outcomes of the PhD very well. I'm certainly excited about getting started and working as a part of the LJMU research team towards improving jockey health and performance."
Dr Jerry Hill, Chief Medical Adviser to the BHA, said:
"We are delighted to have appointed someone of Daniel’s calibre to this extremely important new role for the industry. Daniel was the stand out candidate from over 40 approaches which we received both from both domestic and international applicants.
"The PhD is an exciting opportunity to increase the level of knowledge we have about the jockey as an athlete, and start to bring us into line with other modern, mainstream sports. Horseracing brings with it many physical and psychological challenges for our jockeys, the more we know about their needs the more we can do to help them face those challenges."
Paul Struthers, Chief Executive of the PJA, said:
"We’re delighted Daniel was successful in his application. His success highlights the skills within and work of the PJA’s Nutrition Team and will help forge closer working relationships between ourselves and LJMU. This PhD position, combined with the ongoing work on the strategy for jockey training, and the enhancements to the role of JETS and services it will provide, make this a very exciting time for jockey training and welfare."
The LJMU School of Sport and Exercise Sciences
