LEXINGTON — The Jockeys' Guild's entire staff has been fired, and a management team will look into the organization's finances in an effort to restore health insurance for 800 members and their families.

        The guild's executive committee took the action this week. The insurance was canceled April 1 after premiums shot up 43 percent.

        All six office workers in Lexington and six regional directors have been let go. John Giovanni, the guild's national secretary, resigned a week ago.

        Matrix Capital Associates, a California management consulting firm, is temporarily running the nonprofit guild, said Thomas Brondum of Matrix, who answered the phone at the Lexington office.

        Mr. Brondum said it appears the Guild didn't set aside enough money to cover the rising costs of insurance.

        For nearly three months, jockeys have had to find alternative coverage for off-duty injuries and illnesses. And many riders haven't had full coverage for catastrophic on-the-job injuries.

        “Just about every rider here is affected (by the loss of benefits),” said jockey Bill Troilo, 40, of Florence. “Everyone has been in shock since we were told. This will force everybody to scramble and look for new health insurance.”

        Mr. Troilo, with 19 years' experience as a jockey, is the local Jockey's Guild representative at Turfway Park. He said there are 30-40 Guild members riding at the Northern Kentucky track right now.

        Thoroughbred Racing Associations provides limited coverage for work-related injuries.

        “The first $100,000 of hospital/doctor care is covered by the race tracks,” Mr. Troilo said. But if you have a serious injury from a fall, that $100,000 goes pretty fast.”

        Enquirer reporter Terry Flynn contributed

Priest admits sex with boys
Pick a color for Suspension Bridge
Robber's warning unheeded
As mold grows, so do health worries
Mastering mold: how to get control
Answers about mold
Health in jeopardy at creek, state says
7-year-old's car wash helps neighbors
Got a goetta itch? Goettafest helps
Porkopolis party-goers queue up for BBQ
Secret degree shocks family
Theme parks expect many visitors
BRONSON: Fill in the stupid blank
CROWLEY: Unity event excuse for potshots
'Deadbeat' list yields 24 arrests in the first week
Graham's Gospel bridges generations
Many schools, one problem
Stroke treatment shows promise
XU panel: Trade vs. human rights
High school minorities get college credit
Local Digest
New era for career center
Tristate's priciest homes
Congrats
Dumpster divers digging in
Kids cautioned about railroad tracks
Ohio city deploys fish in war on mosquitoes
Court topples topless ban
Group seeks list of donors
Ind. day-care licenses pulled
Indiana must give aid to disabled
Jockeys' Guild fires staff amid insurance woes