MICHAEL Higgins has been appointed general manager of Irish Injured Jockeys Fund Ltd.

The Kildare man worked with Bank of Ireland for 28 years before setting up his own consultancy firm and he will combine that business with his new part-time role.

A lifelong racing fan, Higgins said: “Our prime objective is to look after our injured riders, to increase awareness and raise the vital funds necessary to offer the apporpriate level of care and support to the jockeys and their families. We will work directly with individuals, whilst also supporting organisations such as the Jockeys Emergency Fund, the Drogheda Memorial Fund and the Irish Jockeys Trust.

“I am also very interested in developing an educational and consultative programme for jockeys in preparation for a post-racing career. I believe it is important to ensure they leave racing equipped and prepared for life, with a strong belief in themselves and what they have to offer.”

Welcoming Higgins on board, IIJ chairman Ruby Walsh said: “I really believe that this part-time management position will be one that will copper-fasten all the work that we have done since our establishment in September last year and help us to move Irish Injured Jockeys along to the next level.

Charitable status

“We have been busy ensuring that the foundations of this entity are solid, compliant and that our procedures are fundamentally right for our injured jockeys. I am proud to say that we have attained the establishment of a charitable structure that gives help to those that need it most, in a speedy and efficient way.”