Vital injured riders insurance scheme to end with PJA unable to sustain funding

Jockeys are being strongly advised to take out individual insurance policies protecting them in the event of a career-ending injury, with the Professional Jockeys Association unable to keep funding the scheme which will finish at the end of the month.

From 2011 until 2019, the CEI (Career-Ending Insurance) was sponsored by the Stobart Group, and the Stobart logo became synonymous with jockeys’ breeches. But once that deal ended, the PJA funded the scheme itself at significant cost.

The policy, which pays out up to £100,000 for any jockey no longer able to ride due to injury, costs over £320,000 a year – highlighting the importance of a commercial sponsor – with the PJA using £400,000 of its own reserves to keep it in place for the last 18 months.

Last year, PJA chief executive Paul Struthers warned the cover would be at risk if a new sponsor could not be found, and in March this year a new partner had been lined up on a three-year-deal. But then the Covid-19 pandemic struck with the sponsor subsequently pulling out.

Dale Gibson, representing the PJA, said on Friday: "It's unfortunate that the current economic climate means it has not been conducive to find a sponsor to join forces with and take [the policy] on.

"The Stobart Group were terrific partners, they sponsored the Lesters, various individual jockeys and they were great for the sport for that period of time. We're still seeking another sponsor."

Jockeys operated without the CEI for three years before Stobart’s backing, and Gibson conceded individual policies may not be affordable for all riders.

Jockeys: strongly advised to take out individual insurance policies protecting them in the event of a career-ending injuryCredit: Edward Whitaker

CEI policies can be purchased through Pro-Am Lifestyle Protection, who work in partnership with the PJA.

Examples detailed in an email sent out by the PJA show a variety of different policy examples for jockeys aged 20-40 over both codes, with the cheapest annual premium priced at £625 for a Flat rider, rising to £6,250, while over jumps the premiums start at £1,000 rising to £10,000.

Although the loss of the CEI is significant for jockeys, they will still be covered under the Professional Riders Insurance Scheme (PRIS), which is paid for by racehorse owners as a surcharge on the riding fee.

Gibson added: "PRIS has been in place for 40-odd years and that is the first line of insurance for when a jockey gets injured. The Career-Ending Insurance is as it says on the tin and is there as a top-up to PRIS."

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