Jockeys and trainers raise cash on the course
Riders and trainers clubbed together to raise about £4,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) at a charity golf day.
Exeter racecourse sponsored the winning team at the match, which was held at Teign Valley Golf Club, Devon, on Monday (6 June).
The team comprised racecourse director Duncan Sykes, Neil Wyatt from Higos Insurance Services, Will Tottle from Finlake Holiday Park and former jockey Paul O’Neill.
All fees for the day were waived by club owner Simon Lister, while the money raised will be used for a new piece of rehabilitation equipment at the IJF’s Oaksey House, Lambourn.
Organiser Malcolm Barrett, a former jockey who has been fundraising for the IJF for 15 years, said: “It was a wonderful day with a fantastic turnout and we’re grateful to all the jockeys and trainers who travelled to Devon to take part.”
Mr Lister added: “It’s wonderful to be involved and to do something in support of such a superb charity. We were very lucky with such lovely weather and it’s thanks to all the teams who took part.”
Also among the players were former Jump jockeys Carl Llewellyn and John Francome, who is also patron of the IJF, Steve Smith-Eccles and Jodie Mogford.
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Tom Scudamore, David Crosse, Kevin Jones, Kieran O’Neill, Christian Leech and John Flint were also on the course.
Daniel Thompson of Exeter racecourse said: “We’ve all had a really great time and we’re very proud to be supporting such a good event. We’re already looking forward to next year when we will be defending our crown!”
The IJF, Horse & Hound’s charity of the year, supports riders and their families who have been affected by injuries in their sport.
In the past 51 years, the IJF has helped and supported more than 1,000 riders.
Related articles:
- ‘I couldn’t even put my own socks on’: Jockey in horror fall credits IJF for speedy winning comeback
- How the IJF helped a former jockey and trainer who needed 14 operations to rebuild his skull
- ‘I’m terrified of heights’: Jockeys to jump from plane
With two rehabilitation centres and direct support across the country, injured jockeys have access to free rehab and training, support and advice.
The charity’s work has also extended to riders in other disciplines, most notably eventers.
For more information on the IJF, visit its website. To donate, visit H&H’s JustGiving page.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.