Racecourses pledge €123,000 to cover costs of Irish Injured Jockeys

Ruby Walsh has described as ground-breaking an agreement by which Ireland's racecourses will provide annual funding of €123,000 to Irish Injured Jockeys (IIJ), a sum that will cover the entire operating costs of the riders' association.

The donation, which has been committed to by the Association of Irish Racecourses for three years, means every cent generated by IIJ through its fundraising will now be freed up to be spent on the services and assistance it provides.

“On behalf of the Irish Injured Jockeys, I would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the 26 racecourses for their support," said Walsh, who serves as IIJ chairman.

Ruby Walsh, chairman of the Irish Injured Jockeys, has welcomed the funding boost from racecoursesCredit: Karen Morgan/Lensmen

"This financial commitment is ground-breaking for IIJ and testament to the great relationship we have with the racecourses. Their support will allow us to continue the important work we do and expand our services to riders.”

Ireland's five premier tracks will contribute €7,500 a year to the cause, while the eight Grade 1 tracks' donation is €5,000, leaving the 13 Grade 2 racecourses to provide €3,500.

"Some tracks already organise events and fundraisers for us and have stated they will continue to do that even with this initiative," said IIJ general manager Michael Higgins.

"We're really grateful to them for their overall support. Our operating costs came to €119,000 last year, so this means all other fundraising and donations will now go directly to the services we provide."

Announcing the deal at the Keadeen Hotel in County Kildare, Conor O'Neill, AIR chairman and Punchestown chief executive said: “Jockeys are the cornerstone of racing and providing racegoers with great days out and brilliant racing memories. However, we are acutely aware it is a high-risk sport and of the extraordinary physical demands our jockeys face for our sporting pleasure.

Punchestown chief executive Conor O'Neill: 'Jockeys are the cornerstone of racing and provide racegoers with great days out and brilliant racing memories'Credit: Caroline Norris

"All 26 racecourses have a brilliant relationship with jockeys and greatly value the time they give us to promote our wonderful sport. In recognition of that, the Association of Irish Racecourses is delighted to formally demonstrate our commitment with €123,000 per year for the next three years to support the incredible work the Irish Injured Jockeys do.”

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