Australian Jockeys' Association

National Jockeys Celebration Day, March 2010

The National Jockeys Celebration Day (NJCD) is an initiative of the Australian Jockeys Association (AJA) and the Australian Racing Board (ARB), to establish a day on the national racing calendar to:  

• Recognise the contribution that both former and current jockeys have made to the thoroughbred racing industry;
• Commemorate those jockeys who have lost their lives in riding accidents; and
• Raise funds for the National Jockeys Trust.

The National Jockeys Celebration Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in March at designated race clubs throughout Australia and this year the event is scheduled for Saturday 6^th March in most states. Additional events will be held nationally throughout March as part of NJCD.

The National Jockeys Trust (NJT) is a public charitable trust established in 2004 for the purpose of providing funds and other benefits for jockeys who require relief from financial difficulties (including apprentice jockeys) especially where such needs arise through serious injury, illness or the death of a jockey.  In the tragic event where a jockey loses their life, the National Jockeys Trust has assisted the families of deceased jockeys when needed.

The Trust has been endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as an income tax exempt charity and as a deductible gift recipient; the NJT has been registered by the charitable organisation’s licensing agencies in all Australian States and Territories. Grants of financial assistance made by the Trust are strictly governed by the Trust’s Deed.

Dedication and bravery are prerequisites of almost every sport and these qualities are found in abundance in racing.  Australian jockeys are elite athletes who quite literally place their lives on the line every time they compete in a race.  Sadly, serious injuries are a frequent occurrence and over 300 riders have lost their lives since Australian racing first began. While accident insurance has become an essential feature of racing, all too often there are cases where jockeys, and or their families, are plunged into financial hardship.

Whilst support for fundraising efforts is growing, the National Jockeys Trust faces a real challenge in raising the funds that are required to provide meaningful assistance to an acceptable percentage of those who qualify under the NJT’s charter.

The NJT dilemma however is to raise sufficient funds so that it might begin to assist those in need.  The Celebration Day is just one way the NJT can raise much needed funds for the trust. Currently, there are numerous jockeys nationally who are suffering hardship because of their injuries.  A large number of these jockeys have suffered such injuries that they will never ride again.  Some of their injuries are permanently disabling, including serious spinal and head injuries.

On 6^th March, NJT merchandise will be sold at participating racecourses and other outlets to raise funds for the Trust. The AJA invites you to attend the NJCD race meetings during the month of March in your state and help support the National Jockeys Trust.

National Jockeys Celebration Day Calender

Saturday 6^th March 2010

NSW
Warwick Farm Racecourse
Broadmeadow Racecourse

Refer RacingNSW website for video interview with Paul Innes www.racingnsw.com.au

QLD
Eagle Farm Racecourse

SA
Allan Scott Park Racecourse Morphettville

WA
Ascot Racecourse

Additional March Celebration Dates

Saturday 13^th March

VIC
Flemington Racecourse

NT
Fannie Bay Racecourse Darwin

Sunday 14^th March

TAS
Tattersall’s Park Racecourse Hobart

Monday 15^th March

National Jockeys Trust Golf Day held at Kingston Beach Golf Club

If you are unable to attend NJCD events during the month of March and you would like to send a donation to the National Jockeys Trust please post your donation to PO Box 800 Castle Hill NSW 1765. (Please include your return mailing address for your tax receipt). 

For further information on the National Jockeys Trust please view our website www.australianjockeys.org

Media Contacts:
Paul Innes (AJA) 0412 707 674
Louise Betts (NJT) 02 9894 9629