THE important role played by Irish Injured Jockeys will be highlighted in a promotional video recorded this week at the organisation’s headquarters in Kildare.

The insightful video has been produced by Betfair, which is behind the Rachael Blackmore - Serial Winners Fund. To date it has raised some £160,000 for both the IIJ and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

Last Wednesday Betfair’s Managing Director, Richard Hayward, paid a visit to IIJ’s headquarters at RACE in Kildare town to learn more about the support the organisation offers to jockeys and how some of the funds will be used.

IIJ’s General Manager, Michael Higgins, was delighted to show Hayward the facilities currently in place and their plans to move to a more permanent location on the site. He also introduced him to some of the key people working with the IIJ on a regular basis.

Among those was Dr Jennifer Pugh, senior medical officer with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB). “In my role I am very lucky to have the support of the IIJ,” she said.

“From the time I took up my position the support was there for whenever I needed it for a jockey in trouble. By nature, the biggest challenge jockeys face are injuries. However, we also see jockeys coming here who are not injured but who see the benefits of getting strong and staying healthy. Support is equally there for those facing mental health or addiction issues.” Hayward also met physiotherapist Gavin Egan, and Wayne Middleton, who is the Strength and Conditioning coach with Equuip, as part of their Pathway programme.

“The IIJ has been based here since 2015 and the people at RACE have been very good to us,” Michael Higgins said.

“We now have plans to move to a more permanent area within RACE, hopefully by 2025. We simply couldn’t afford to do it if we had to start from a green field site as it is already a seven-figure spend.”

Bursaries

Higgins said that the money raised by the Rachael Blackmore - Serial Winners Fund will be put to excellent use. “We are also providing bursaries now for those looking at alternative careers and we have even helped some do the course in the farriery school.”

Since its launch last November, the Rachael Blackmore - Serial Winners Fund has not only raised cash but also heightened awareness for both the IIJ and the Injured Jockeys Fund in Britain.

Betfair initially donated £100,000, and then pledged a further £5,000 for every winner Blackmore rode between November 25th and Grand National Day on April 13th. The target is £250,000.

“I’m really excited to see where the contribution goes with the IIJ,” said Hayward. “It’s fantastic to see what has been set up so far and it will be great to come back afterwards to see what they have done with the money raised,” he concluded.

The video is due to be launched next week.