We all enjoy placing our horse racing online bets, but have you ever stopped to think what happens to your favourite jockey when he/she sustains an injury?
Have you ever thought what happens to them after they retire? Do you know where they can turn to in times of mental and financial need?
Well, fortunately there are several organisations that support people that work in horseracing as a whole, and what is good enough for the human participants in the racing industry is good enough for the horses too as they also have their own welfare equivalents.
The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF)
The charity was founded in 1964 following career ending accidents to Tim Brookshaw, and then to Paddy Farrell in the 1964 Grand National.
Both falls resulted in severe paralysis which meant they needed ongoing assistance for the rest of their lives.
Medical support is delivered to injured jockeys via three rehabilitation and centres - Oaksey House in Lambourn, Jack Berry House in Malton, and Peter O’Sullevan House in Newmarket.
Racing Welfare
Racing Welfare is a charity that supports the workforce of British horseracing.
They offer professional guidance and practical help to all racing people – including stud, stable, and racecourse staff, as well as those working in associated professions – whose roles are vital for smooth running of racing
From recruitment right through to retirement, Racing Welfare is there to help with any day-to-day issues that may arise in an individual’s life.
Jockeys Education & Training Scheme (JETS)
JETS was set up in 1995 to help current and former professional jockeys plan and achieve a secure future. It is part funded by jockeys’ own prize money contributions and with some support from the IJF.
Around 800 former jockeys have already gone through JETS in order to acquire skills for meaningful employment after their race-riding days are over.
Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)
RoR is horseracing’s official charity for the welfare of horses which have retired from racing.
The organisation raises funds to help support the retraining and rehoming of former racehorses and helps to get retired racehorses into other equestrian disciplines.
Two recently retired stars of the National Hunt scene, former dual Grand National (current Grand National betting here) winner Tiger Roll and Cyrname are relatively new RoR inductees. Both have proved to be big hits in the show ring.
Greatwood
Now in its 30th year, Greatwood was the first charity to use former racehorses to educate disadvantaged children and young adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
It is universally recognised that former racehorses have so much to offer after a period of rehabilitation and Greatwood makes every effort to match horses up with a long term owner.
Greatwood’s management team carefully vet all applicants to ensure that both horses and carers have a long and happy life together.
You can read just a handful of the many successful testimonials at Greatwood HERE.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 28th December 2022
