News

TAB National Jockeys Trust National Appeal
The National Jockeys Trust National Appeal is a special initiative providing
punters and racing fans around the country an opportunity to recognise the contribution
to racing made by former and current jockeys. To be held on Saturday 25 May 2019, it will enable the NJT to
continue its support of jockeys who may be in need of assistance as a result of
serious injury or illness.
Paul Innes, National Jockeys Trust CEO,
said it was a huge opportunity for the Trust to raise important funds for jockeys
past and present, who are in need of support and assistance.
“We are incredibly grateful for the
support of all our sponsors, supporters, donors. We couldn’t have embarked on this exciting initiative without their
involvement. It’s also wonderful to have the engagement and support of racegoers
and punters. The National Jockeys Trust allows us to continue to
make a difference to injured jockeys and the families of riders who we have
lost and who are in need of financial support and assistance.”
After a hugely successful state appeal
in Queensland in 2017 that raised $40,000 for the NJT in one day, the Trust hoping to continue to raise funds to assist in continuing its support of
the jockey community.
Since its inception in 2004, the NJT
has provided over $3.7 million in assistance to more than 290 jockeys and the
families of jockeys who have been lost.
· Tragically, 882 Australian jockeys have been killed in
race falls since 1847
· More than 200 riders are injured each year on Australian
racetracks
· There are close to 500 race falls annually
· 89% of jockeys will have a fall that requires medical
assistance during their career
· 9% of jockeys have fallen more than 20 times during their
careers
· Each year, 40% of jockeys will have a fall that will
prevent them from riding for 5 weeks or more
· 5% of these falls are considered “career-ending”
· 50% of Australian jockeys earn less than $60,000 per year
(before expenses)
· It is estimated that in the next 10 years, there will be
10 jockey fatalities and around 50 jockeys will suffer career ending injuries
that will include cases of paraplegia, quadriplegia and brain injury.
24-year-old apprentice jockey Leticia
(Teash) Griffin was diagnosed with stage three melanoma in
May 2018, and is receiving ongoing treatment. She is appreciative of the
support provided by the National Jockeys Trust.
Despite her illness, she’s now back
riding trackwork full time and working as a trainee clerk of the course with
Racing Victoria.
"I was delighted when I was asked
to be the Ambassador for the National Jockeys Trust Raceday at Flemington on
Saturday 25th May. I was
really grateful the Trust was able to provide support to me during what's been
the most challenging time of my life. I'm really rapt be able to give something
back to the NJT by being the Ambassador for Saturday's special day at
Flemington this year."
Please look under the events for the National Jockeys Trust and come along and support our Jockeys at the Luncheons the Trust is organising to continue to raise awareness and assist all the jockeys, apprentices and their families in their time of need.
Thank you for your support.