Andrew Coonan, Barry Geraghty, David Casey, Davy Russell, Pat Smullen, Ruby Walsh and Andrew McNamara © Photo Healy Racing
Irish Injured Jockeys was launched today at Punchestown Racecourse with champion jockey Ruby Walsh announced as Chairman of the Board.
This newly-registered charity has been established to offer a public fundraising vehicle to the racing public and wider audience to show their support for injured jockeys.
The aim of the charity is to raise awareness and vital funds on a consistent basis to provide for injured riders as individual cases and through racing's charities. All funds raised through Irish Injured Jockeys will go to those most in need of support.
The launch of Irish Injured Jockeys takes place one year after the iconic Limerick Charity Raceday, held in light of serious injuries sustained to John Thomas McNamara and Jonjo Bright, which raised in excess of €809,000.
Ruby Walsh said: “There are lots of ways that people can help through donation, fundraising, volunteering and shopping. For further details and to view our merchandise collection visit irishinjuredjockeys.com.”
Key industry figures and press gathered to hear renowned artist and Irish Injured Jockeys Director Peter Curling speak of how the charity will ensure those most in need will benefit either as individual cases or through the existing funds which Irish Injured Jockeys will continue to work closely with.
Directors Listing:
• Ruby Walsh (Chairman of Irish Injured Jockeys & National Hunt Jockey)
• Andrew McNamara (Secretary of Irish Injured Jockeys & National Hunt Jockey)
• Barry Geraghty (National Hunt Jockey)
• Charles O’Reilly (Turf Club Steward and Board Member of Punchestown Racecourse)
• David Casey (National Hunt Jockey)
• Davy Russell (National Hunt Jockey)
• Fran Berry (Flat Jockey)
• Margaret Davin (CFO, Horse Racing Ireland)
• Pat Smullen (Flat Jockey)
• Peter Curling (Artist, Turf Club Steward & Irish Jockeys Trust Trustee)
• Julian Gaisford-St Lawrence (Turf Club Steward)
Honorary patrons who have endorsed the charity:
• Sue-Ann Foley
• Aidan O’Brien
• JP Magnier
• Sheikh Fahad Al Thani
Irish Injured Jockeys will support individual cases and racing’s charities to ensure those most in need will receive the greatest financial support efficiently, from public funds raised under the Irish Injured Jockeys banner. Existing charities who will benefit as appropriate include:
• Irish Jockeys Trust
• Drogheda Memorial Fund
• Jockeys Emergency Fund
