Craig Staples announced as Australian Jockeys Association Chairman

The Australian Jockeys Association (AJA) is delighted to announce the appointment of WA-based group one winning jockey Craig Staples as its Chairman, with immediate effect.

Mr Staples has acted as President of the West Australian Jockeys Association (WAJA) since 2009 and has served as a Director of the AJA for a number of years.

Mr Staples assumes the role from Des O’Keeffe who retired from the AJA at last Tuesday’s AGM.

Mr Staples said he was honoured to accept the position.

“I’m delighted to accept the position of Chairman of the AJA. It will be an honour to lead a board responsible for furthering the interests of Australia’s jockeys. I feel privileged to lead a united, professional and highly respected industry stakeholder group.”

“The AJA has a long history of achieving outcomes in areas of national importance for Australia’s jockeys. In addition, it is there to provide high level support and guidance for Australia’s state jockey associations whenever needed.”

“I’m very much looking forward to working closely with our CEO Martin Talty and the AJA Board so that we continue to deliver significant outcomes for our members.”

Retiring Chairman and Board member, Mr Des O’Keeffe, said he was absolutely delighted the Board had seen fit to appoint Mr Staples to take over the role.

“I’ve known Craig Staples well both professionally and personally for many years and hold him in the highest possible regard. Craig has been responsible for achieving any number of outstanding outcomes for the WA jockey cohort.”

“Having worked closely with him during his time as a member of the AJA Board, I am extremely comfortable in the knowledge that his leadership will be first class.”

“I must add it has been a genuine privilege to both Chair and act as a Board member of this strong, closely bonded and well respected national association.”

Media Inquiries: Martin Talty, CEO, M: 0409 101012 E: martin.talty@australianjockeys.org