IJF's Peter O'Sullevan House is poised to open in Newmarket
Peter O'Sullevan House, the third rehabilitation and fitness centre operated by the Injured Jockeys Fund, will open its doors for the first time on Monday after 13 months of construction.
The new state-of-the-art complex adjacent to the British Racing School in Newmarket joins Oaksey House and Jack Berry House as the flagship facilities offering recovery and treatment to injured
jockeys.
Fitness facilities, a hydrotherapy pool, physio rooms and a gym will be supplemented by sports psychologists and pastoral care.
Jockey William Buick returned to action at Newmarket last week from injury-enforced two-month absence and was one of the first jockey to use the new facility.
Buick said: "It's very impressive and a state-of-the-art facility. We Jockeys are very lucky to have the support of the IJF and the generosity of those who make it all possible."
The new operation will be given two months to become fully operational before being officially opened by IJF president Sir Anthony McCoy on October 11. However all jockeys and members of the Newmarket community are welcome to use the facility from Monday.
McCoy said: "It's unbelievable that with the opening of Peter O'Sullevan House we now have three rehabilitation and fitness centres around the country that help and support jockeys, both during and after their careers.
"I can't tell you how lucky racing is to have this and how proud I will be to officially open the centre in October."
Named after the late commentating great Sir Peter O'Sullevan, the house cost around £6 million to build with the primary funding coming from The Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust, The Thompson Family Charitable Trust, The Racing Foundation and the Alborada Trust.
IJF chief executive Lisa Hancock said: "We are so excited to be open with this third facility completing our nationwide coverage. By working closely with the BRS here in Newmarket we will be able to support jockeys through every stage of their career and beyond.
"We have a fantastic team in place and amazing facilities, and are really looking forward to engaging with jockeys, both currently licensed and retired, and the wider racing population of Newmarket.
"As a charity we are extremely proud to be able to offer this level of service and expertise to our sports men and women and are exceptionally grateful to our many supporters who have made it possible."
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