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Support For Fallen Jockeys And Their Loved Ones

04 July 2015

The Andrews Labor Government will provide $160,000 to the National Jockeys Trust to help the families of jockeys who have lost their lives or been seriously injured at work.

The National Jockeys Trust, established in 2004 by the Australian Jockeys Association, provides financial and other support to jockeys, apprentice jockeys and their families, if they are killed, became seriously ill or are injured during racing, training and trackwork.

Since its inception, the trust has helped more than 200 jockeys and their loved ones.

The Labor Government is committed to working with the Victorian Jockeys Association and Racing Victoria to develop a program to assist jockeys transition into successful post-riding careers.

Talia Rodder, who was forced to retire earlier this year following an early morning trackwork accident at Caulfield, and leading jockey Nick Hall who has been out injured since May, are working with the Victorian Jockeys Association to develop the pilot program.

The Government is providing $160,000 to the National Jockeys Trust from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund and in January provided $40,000 to update the Memorial to Fallen Jockeys at Caulfield Racecourse, which will be revealed later in the year.

The VRIF returns unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes back to the industry and allows the three racing codes, racing clubs and other key stakeholders to have a say in growing Victorian racing.

It funds projects and initiatives at tracks across Victoria, supporting jobs, improving animal and participant safety, increasing integrity measures and boosting the raceday experience for racegoers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula

“The death of any rider is tragic and the Andrews Labor Government is working hard to provide support and make the racing industry a safe working environment.”

“The need for the fund has never been better illustrated than this week with the sad loss of a member of the racing community. My deepest condolences go to the young rider’s family.”

“The financial impact of a serious injury or a fatal fall cannot be underestimated and supporting the National Jockeys Trust is a way that we can fulfil our duty of care to jockeys and their families.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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