News

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.