Jockey’s Emergency Fund Day in Limerick

Just a few short months’ ago this charity day didn’t even exist – but thanks to a committee of 9 very strong people alongside a tonne of support from others involved in the racing industry there was a unique meeting held earlier this week at Limerick races raised 350,000 Euros for the Jockey’s Emergency Fund.

Prompted by the falls of the amateur jockey JT McNamara and Jonjo Bright in March both of whom ended up with paralysis and in need of substantial rehabilitation this event was brought together. There was a flurry of famous names in the team which included: Michael O’Rourke, Jane Davis, Barbara White, Patrick O’Callaghan, Ruby Walsh, Richard Pugh, Andrew McNamara and Russell Ferris who agreed to do a one off race in a bid to raise as much as they possibly could.

To get involved as many people as possible – the event boasted races of all kinds including for flat horses, hurdlers, bumpers etc and there was also chances for other jockey’s to ride – in fact there was even a Shergar like challenge where the British riders ended up competing against the Irish riders!

Barbara White said of the event: “Everyone has been so generous with their time and money. It’s overwhelming. So many people have been randomly ringing us, offering help, donations and items for the auction. I think it’s going to be a very special day.”

She also mentioned that a lot of work had been put into the event and said that there had been weekly meetings every Thursday for 10 whole weeks and that everyone had their own part to play in the special day. All of the money raised consisted of owners donations at roughly 60,000 Euro’s, admission fees at 10 Euro’s each, sponsorship of the event at over 80,000 Euro’s and riding costs at 14,000 Euro’s. On top of this – any money the racecourse receives in terms of media deals will also go to the cause.

To raise more money from the general public there was a general auction held – with over 70 lots for them to choose from. There were some fantastic things for people to bid on – perhaps most impressive, the chance to visit Frankel!

Friends of McNamara and Bright were in attendance including McCoy who stated: “Obviously this day is for a great cause and it feels special to be able to ride a winner on a day like today because it’s going to the two lads – Jonjo and John Thomas.”

It seems as if everyone rallied round for this event and were in great form giving the whole experience a great atmosphere. We were so pleased to hear that so much money was raised for a worthy cause, let’s hope there are even more just like this in the future!