The Injured Jockeys Fund has begun its 50th anniversary celebrations by publishing a book on its history, as ANTON RIPPON reports
When jockey Paddy Farrell suffered a career-ending fall in the 1964 Grand National, there was so little help available to help him in the aftermath of the injury that a small group of leading jump people ¬– including the great jockey Fred Winter, and racing journalist and amateur rider John Lawrence (who was to become Lord Oaksey) – set up a fund to help Farrell and former champion jockey Tim Brookshaw who, four months earlier, had broken his back.
From that impromptu beginning grew the Injured Jockeys Fund, an organisation that has helped more than 1,000 beneficiaries and spent millions of pounds improving the quality of life for stricken jockeys and their families.
This month, the Fund embarks upon an 18-month programme of activities and events to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2014, all launched around the publication of a new book The Injured Jockeys Fund: Celebrating Fifty Years 1964-2014 by racing author Sean Magee, whose other works include Ascot: The History (2002), Lester’s Derbys (with Lester Piggott, 2004) and Arkle: The Life and Legacy of “Himself” (2005).
In her foreword to Magee’s new book, Princess Anne writes: “In telling that inspiring story, it celebrates the tireless efforts of a group of dedicated men and women and the wide range of activities that keep this charity moving forwards, not least through major initiatives such as Oaksey House in Lambourn – named, of course, after the late John Oaksey, who was so important to the Injured Jockeys Fund from the beginning – and Jack Berry House, soon to be built in Malton.”
The book contains some wonderful illustrations such as John Oaksey making a bungee jump to benefit the Fund which was so close to his heart, and the Queen Mother (patron of the Fund before her granddaughter) lending a helping hand with the IJF’s now famous Christmas cards which, to date, have raised more than £4 million. All 50 of the Christmas cards are reproduced in the book, providing a fascinating journey through the names, faces and races of the last five decades and highlighting their importance at the heart of the Fund’s fundraising efforts.
There are also many amusing anecdotes and snippets of some strange fund-raising efforts that include profits from mounted carol singing, Des O’Connor’s appearance money, and money in lieu of a billy goat’s stud fee.
Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund says: “We wanted to have something tangible that tells the incredible story of the last 50 years and the people and events that have helped the Fund to evolve along the way. This launches a programme of activities throughout next year that we hope will be supported by every racecourse in the country with the aim of continuing to raise awareness of the vital work we do to help injured jockeys and their families.”
- The Injured Jockeys Fund: Celebrating Fifty Years 1964-2014 (hardback, 208pp) by Sean Magee is published on 25 September and is available from www.ijf.org.uk price £20
- Between now and the end of 2013, anyone wishing to join the SJA may apply, with their initial fee covering their membership through until the end of 2014 – effectively 15 months’ membership for the price of 12. Click here for more details.
UPCOMING SJA EVENTS
Thu Oct 24: SJA Lunch with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Click here for booking details
Tue Oct 29: SJA Masterclass with Andy Dunn. For more information, click here
Thu Dec 12: SJA 2013 British Sports Awards. Venue and ticket booking details to be announced soon
2014
Tue Feb 25: SJA Masterclass with Des Kelly. For more information, click here
Mon Mar 24: SJA British Sports Journalism Awards, Grand Connaught Rooms, London
Mon Apr 14: SJA Spring Golf Day: Croham Hurst GC, Surrey. Booking details to be announced
Tue May 20: SJA Masterclass with Janine Self. For more information, click here