The Jockeys Emergency Fund will be using for the first time a newly acquired mobile trade stand to raise funds at next week’s Punchestown Festival.  The Jockeys Emergency Fund was set up in 1998 by the Turf Club and Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee following Shane Broderick’s accident and provides benefit for professional and qualified riders who suffer paralysis following an accident while race-riding.  The recent serious injuries to both J.T. McNamara and Jonjo Bright bring the need to raise money for racing charities sharply into focus and racegoers are being asked to donate generously.

Under the Irish Injured Jockeys banner, the stand will be situated adjacent to the paddock and racegoers are invited to come along through the course of racing each day.  The stand will be manned from 2.30pm over the five days and there will be explanatory leaflets on hand regarding the Jockeys Emergency Fund and four other racing charities.  All the top riders will be on hand throughout the week to answer questions and explain the day to day challenges of riding racehorses. Visitors to the stand will be able to see all the equipment jockeys use, including back protectors, helmets and goggles.  Leading trainers, racing personalities and a few celebrities from other fields are likely to be in attendance too.

Two giant cards, which will be sent to J.T. McNamara and Jonjo Bright, will be on the stand and racegoers are invited to come along, sign them and make a donation.  There will also be lots of racing merchandise on offer and all the information needed to make a donation either by credit card, direct debit or simply by giving cash or a cheque.

It is hoped to bring the mobile trade stand to all the racing festivals this year, including Galway, Listowel and Leopardstown at Christmas, to give the wider public a chance to donate and support Irish racing charities.  The cost of the mobile unit, along with other expenses, has been generously sponsored and money raised will go to those most in need.

For anyone not at Punchestown you may contribute to the Jockeys Emergency Fund account c/o Bank Of Ireland, Main Street, Newbridge, Co Kildare – Account Number 24129204, Sort Code 90 12 63 Charity Reg Number CHY 13019.  You may also donate on line at www.turfclub.ie/donate/

For Further Information Contact:
Cliff Noone
Turf Club Press Officer
Tel: 045 445600 (office) or 087 9863231 (mobile).