Australian Jockeys' Association

Dear Editor

I wish to congratulate Racing NSW on the article, and in particular the graphic photo of talented young apprentice jockey, Tiffany Jeffries, depicted on the front cover of your magazine (January 2012).

Horse racing is an exciting industry, however behind the glamour our industry has a “hidden side” not always appreciated by industry stakeholders.

 All jockeys are in mourning today after the tragic passing of young jockey Corey Gilby.
 
Corey passed away last night after sustaining serious injuries in a fall during a gallop after the race meeting on Saturday November 12 at Julia Creek, Queensland.
 
Australian Jockeys Association (AJA) CEO Paul Innes expressed his deepest sympathy to Corey’s family.

“Across Australia jockeys and their families will be deeply saddened by the loss of this young jockey,” Mr Innes said.

Injured jockeys and their families are facing undue hardship because the charitable trust established to support them lacks adequate funding, according to a report to be launched in Melbourne today.
 
The Australian Jockeys’ Association report A Fair Go for Jockeys warns the National Jockeys Trust needs a major injection of funds if it is to continue providing support for jockeys with career-ending injuries and the families of jockeys who die.
 

Members of the Australian Jockeys’ Association and the wider racing industry are today mourning the passing of Stathi Katsidis, one of the nation’s elite riders.

“It is with tremendous shock and sadness that we confirm Stathi’s death,” said Queensland Jockeys’ Association President Mary Collier.

“Stathi had just completed the most successful year of his riding career. He was named the winner of the 2010 George Moore Award for Queensland Jockey of the Year, following his

 
Just ten days before Christmas Day in 2008, promising Sydney apprentice jockey Lachlan Fyfe was the victim of a horror horse racing accident, which would end his riding career.

His mount, Mealtime, broke his leg during a barrier trail at Hawkesbury leaving Fyfe, 23, suffering from severe bruising to the brain and was in an induced coma for 10 days. But late on Christmas morning of that year, the young jockey opened his eyes for the first time, much to the relief of his family and friends.

The Australia Athletes’ Alliance (AAA) – the peak body for Australia’s elite professional athletes – today announced that the Australian Jockeys’ Association (AJA) is the latest representative body to join forces with the AAA.

The Australian Racing Board and the Australian Jockeys Association announce the progress of a working party established to streamline the licensing of jockeys who ride in more than one State or Territory.

At the Australian Racing Board’s meeting held on 18th March, 2010 the Board considered a proposal from the Australian Jockeys’ Association concerning the creation of a national licence for jockeys.

Queensland Racing Stewards yesterday released their findings regarding the investigation into unusual betting on Race 2 at the Sunshine Coast on 3 January this year.

In relation to John Keating, the announcement states in part,

“The rider of Baby Boom jockey John Keating cooperated with stewards throughout the inquiry and stewards believe there is insufficient evidence upon which to commence proceedings against him at this stage.”

The Queensland Jockeys’ Association (QJA) has announced the appointment of Ms Mary Collier as its President, effective immediately.

Ms Collier brings significant experience in racing administration to the role, having been a former Director and Chairman of the Brisbane Turf Club.

Ms Collier stated: “Queensland has a strong tradition of producing some of the best jockeys in the nation and the Queensland Jockeys’ Association is proud to represent and advance their interests.

ANNUAL RACING FRATERNITY MASS 2010

Our Lady of The Rosary Catholic Church,      
4 Roma Avenue Kensington, 
Sunday 14 March 2010 at 11am    

Everyone welcome! 
Light refreshments served after the Mass.  

The Racing Mass is attended by all denominations and by people who are representing all sections of the racing industry, and is offered for the well-being of the racing industry as a whole.