While the eyes of the U.S. racing world will be focused on Gulfstream Park on Saturday night when this year’s Eclipse Award winners will be announced, next Monday a less-heralded but equally important event will take place in South Florida when jockey John Velazquez offers the opening remarks for the 2015 Jockeys’ Guild Assembly.

Not a union, the Guild advocates for measures to improve the health and safety of jockeys. Held annually, the Assembly brings together Guild representatives from across the country, riders, and representatives from industries whose work and products can enhance jockeys’ welfare on and off the track.

The dates of the Assembly, which runs from Jan. 19-20, are strategic, said Terry Meyocks, the Guild’s national manager since 2007.

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Photo: Jockey John Velazquez receives the Mike Venezia Award in August 2014. Photo NYRA/Adam Coglianese