‘We do all we can’: Video raises £50,000
A video promoting the work of the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) has helped bookies Betfair raise £50,000 for the charity.
The short film was circulated in time for National Jockey Day 2016 last weekend (19 November).
It features some of the jockeys reaping the benefit of the facilities at the IJF’s Oaksey House rehabilitation centre.
Comments include: “People underestimate the role the IJF plays”, “Every pound that’s given is money well spent” and “If they weren’t here, we’d be lost”.
H&H blogger and para dressage rider Suzanna Hext, who was seriously injured in a riding accident in 2012, also features in the footage.
Betfair donated £1 to the IJF for every use of the hashtag #nationaljockeyday on social media.
The campaign was supported by professional jockeys and trainers including Ryan Moore, Sam Twiston-Davies, Nick Scholfield and Paul Nicholls.
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“Recent events have brought into perspective the tough job jockeys face more than ever,” said Betfair’s Barry Orr.
“We’re pleased to have run National Jockey Day for the third year running, raising awareness of the work the Injured Jockeys Fund as well as donating £50,000 through our social media campaign.”
The IJF is Horse & Hound‘s charity of the year for 2016. Throughout the year H&H has been raising awareness of the charity’s work with riders across the disciplines, as well as fundraising for the charity.
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Lisa Hancock , CEO of the IJF, added: “We are really grateful to Betfair for their initiation of and support towards National Jockeys Day.
“The risks that jockeys take every time they ride are very evident and as the jockeys’ charity we try to do everything we can to support them not just while they are riding but into retirement also.”
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.