Cheltenham legend Rachael Blackmore's new initiative to help injured jockeys

31 January 2024 , 18:02

640     0

Rachael Blackmore became the first female jockey to win the Grand National in 2021 (Image: No credit)

Former jockey Wayne Burton has revealed how the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) saved his life after a horrific racing accident.

Despite being paralysed from the chest down, Wayne is planning to participate in the 2024 London Marathon, thanks to the support of Oaksey House in Lambourn. The IJF facility houses a team of medical professionals who help injured jockeys, either by getting them back to race condition or improving their general quality of life.

The charity was established in 1964 following severe injuries to Tim Brookshaw and Paddy Farrell in the Grand National that year. Betfair's tipster Daryl Carter visited the location and spoke with Burton about his accident 16 years ago.

"When I had the accident, I was out cold for 25-minutes," he said, "I was confused more than anything," he explained. "I couldn't feel anything, if that makes sense?

"It wasn't until a few days later that it starts hitting you. I did lose my speech and my understanding of what things were and where I was. That was a really hard battle for me."

Harry Cobden says winning Cheltenham ride on Il Ridoto did not deserve ban

About his stay at the IJF, he added: "Without the IJF, I wouldn't be here today. This place was built a year after my accident, as soon as this was open, I was one of the first jockeys to come in here."

Now, to celebrate the work of IJF, which supports both past and present jockeys, Betfair and top jockey Rachael Blackmore have begun an initiative - the Rachael Blackmore's Serial Winners fund.

They began with a donation of £100,000 and promise to add £5000 for every winner from Blackmore's rides up until Grand National Day on April 13.

Already, through this fund, an extra £55,000 has been given, with the cash set to be split between the IJF and another charity, the Irish Jockey Fund.

Blakemore praised the new charity effort, saying: "This is a very generous initiative from Betfair and one that I am excited to be a part of over the season," and added, "The work of IIJ and IJF is vital in providing support services for jockeys past and present. It's great to have Betfair supporting not only me, but two organisations that are so important to us as jockeys."

Patrick Rowe