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The National Jockeys Trust has announced its first ever National Appeal to coincide with National Jockeys Trust Raceday at Flemington on Saturday.
The TAB National Jockeys Trust Appeal is a special initiative providing punters and racing fans around the country an opportunity to recognise the contribution to racing made by former and current jockeys.
It will enable the NJT to continue its support of jockeys who may be in need of assistance as a result of serious injury or illness. The website for donations is njtappeal.com.au.
On Saturday TAB is giving on course punters around Australia the opportunity to show their support of jockeys and the NJT. TAB will donate equal to 2% of tote turnover on any bet placed on course on thoroughbred races prior to 1.30pm to the NJT.
Paul Innes, National Jockeys Trust CEO, said it was a huge opportunity for the Trust to raise important funds for jockeys past and present, who are in need of support and assistance.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of TAB. We couldn’t have embarked on this exciting initiative without their involvement,” he said.
“The TAB National Jockeys Trust Appeal will allow us to continue to make a difference to injured jockeys and the families of riders who we have lost and who are in need of financial support and assistance.”
The inaugural national appeal will be held over two days on May 25 and 25 with the Trust hoping to raise $80,000 to assist in continuing its support of the jockey community.
Since its inception in 2004, the NJT has provided over $3.7 million in assistance to more than 290 jockeys and the families of jockeys who have been lost.
Tragically 882 Australian jockeys have been killed in race falls since 1847.
More than 200 riders are injured each year on Australian racetracks and there are close to 500 race falls annually.
Each year 40% of jockeys will have a fall that will prevent them from riding for five weeks or more and 5% of these falls are considered “career-ending”.
The 24-year-old apprentice Leticia (Teash) Griffin has accepted the NJT’s invitation to be the official Ambassador for the Victorian race day and she will also assist in promotion of the TAB National Jockeys Trust Appeal.
Teash was diagnosed with stage three melanoma in 2018 and is receiving ongoing treatment. She is appreciative of the support provided by the National Jockeys Trust.
Despite her illness, she’s now back riding trackwork and working as a trainee clerk of the course with Racing Victoria.
"I was delighted when I was asked to be the Ambassador for the National Jockeys Trust Raceday at Flemington.
“I was really grateful the Trust was able to provide support to me during what's been the most challenging time of my life. I'm really rapt be able to give something back to the NJT by being the Ambassador for Saturday's special day at Flemington."
TAB race meetings supporting the appeal:
Friday May 24: Cranbourne; Canberra.
Saturday May 25: Flemington; Warracknabeal; Randwick; Gosford; Gold Coast; Toowoomba; Morphettville; Darwin.
