James Collins celebrates his victory© Photo Healy Racing
The charity Flat race run during The Festival at Cheltenham earlier this month has generated just over £230,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund it was announced today.
The St Patrick's Derby, whose 12 amateur riders agreed to raise at least £5,000 each for the charity, took place over 13 furlongs as the last race on St Patrick's Thursday, March 12 and was won by James Collins on Knight's Parade.
Ian Renton, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses South West, commented: "The amount of money raised by this year's St Patrick's Derby was astounding and I am delighted that so much has been provided for such a worthwhile charity.
"I am sure that over £230,000 will go a long way to helping injured jockeys and I would like to thank all those selected to ride for their hard work regarding training and fundraising for the race. The whole team at Cheltenham is delighted we have been able to offer the platform of a race at The Festival to charity."
The other 11 riders who took part, from a huge application, in the 2015 St Patrick's Derby were Clifford Baker, Lucy Charnock, Simon Clare, Phillip Clark, Jonathan Mills, Olive Murphy, Andrew Nicholson, Hayley O'Connor, Emily Scott, Rod Trow and Thomas Williams.
This was the sixth charity Flat race, which previously benefited Cancer Research UK, at The Festival and earlier winners of the St Patrick's Derby were TV presenter Lorna Fowler, Orna Madden, Brian Bunyan, Vicky Laing and Olympic silver medallist Tina Cook in 2012, just prior to her London glory.
Lisa Hancock, Chief Executive of the Injured Jockeys Fund and a member of the Cheltenham Racecourse committee, commented: "The Injured Jockeys Fund is incredibly grateful to all those who rode in and supported the race.
"The amount of money raised is incredible and, with Jack Berry House nearing completion, could not have come at a better time."
