The research will begin with a study of over 200 former jockeys.

Richard Dunwoody will undergo various health and behaviour tests
 
A former jockey has become one of the first volunteers for a study which looks at the long-term effects of concussion in sport.

Richard Dunwoody, who was forced to retire by a neck injury in 1999, will undergo MRI scanning, blood tests, and a full behavioural analysis as part of the research.

Launched by the International Concussion & Head Injury Research Foundation (ICHIRF), the innovative study seeks to find out whether retired sportsmen and women have an increased incidence, or suffer earlier onset of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Scientists hope that investigation will acquire enough data to help doctors better predict the outcome of repetitive brain injuries, and therefore promote a better understanding of individual risk.

Commenting on the study, Mr Dunwoody said: “As professional jockeys with an average fall every 14 rides, it was accepted that we would suffer concussion but we gave little thought to what the long-term effects of head injures would be, so this is an important research project, not only for racing, but for all sports.

“It will be great benefit to establish the facts regarding the effects of concussion and to be able to minimise risks for athletes in the future.”

The Concussion in Sport project is led by Dr Michael Turner, who has more than 40 years of experience working in sports medicine. Formally the chief medical advisor to British Horseracing, Dr Turner founded the ICHIRF in 2014.

The research will begin with a study of over 200 former jockeys. Retired sportsmen and women from other sports can already enroll in the research, and ICHIFR is also appealing to members of the public who have never had a concussion to contribute to the study as a ‘control group’.

For more information visit www.concussioninsport.org.