Irish jockeys have whip hand in groundbreaking mental health app

Jockeys competing in a race in Laytown, Ireland. The Leafyard app came about due to alarming findings in research commissioned by the IHRB in 2019/20 into mental health problems among jockeys, which produced significant results when compared to other sports. — Reuters

DUBLIN: Irish jump racing legend Ruby Walsh gave no quarter to his rivals but in retirement he has overseen the introduction of a groundbreaking app that helps jockeys battling mental health issues.

The 42-year-old 12 time Irish champion jockey – who is chairman of the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund (IIJF) – says it is not “a cure” but “a significant step to encourage the right behaviours”.