3 minute read

Team Tye Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Des O’Keeffe to help provide welfare, support, guidance and comfort on behalf of the Team Tye Foundation, to injured and ill racing participants in NSW (including ex-jockeys) and their families.

Mr O'Keeffe brings an enormous amount of experience and leadership to the Foundation, having most recently spent 15 years with the Australian Jockeys Association.

Mr O'Keeffe noted "I feel completely privileged to be asked to help the Team Tye Foundation in assisting those in the racing industry who might be struggling and in need some help, including families of riders that we have lost. I hope I can do the role justice in the eyes of the Trustees."

Team Tye Foundation was established in 2020 after Tye Angland fell from a horse while riding in Hong Kong and became a quadriplegic. The Foundation was established by Tye and his wife Erin to financially help and support injured racing participants and their families who require care and assistance, and particularly in Tye's words "participants in the racing industry who have fallen on hard times and who are behind the scenes. I know first-hand the challenges of dealing with a serious injury, and if the Foundation can help someone who might not necessarily have a profile whether that be as simple as a phone call to see how they are going, then that would be a great result."

Tye noted that "we are thrilled to have Des involved with the Foundation. Des has a long history of commitment to providing welfare and support for those in need."

Team Tye Foundation was fortunate enough to be put forward by Racing NSW and selected by Godolphin as part of the Golden Eagle charity initiative, with Team Tye Foundation's horse Collette going on to win the race. The Foundation has also been generously supported to date by the NSW Racehorse Owners Association as well as organisations (such as Inglis and Magic Millions), and various individuals.