A financial contribution has been agreed upon by the Levy to ensure the continuation of the career-ending insurance scheme for jockeys for another six months, the Horserace Betting Levy Board announced on Wednesday. The grant, which will total up to £80,000 max, will be combined with funding provided by the Professional Jockeys' Association (PJA), as the PJA continues to search for a sponsor in the long term.
“This scheme has been in place for almost 10 years, paid for by commercial sponsorship and contributions from jockeys,” said HBLB Chairman Paul Darling. “It provided a critical safety net for jockeys, for whom the risk of serious injury is part of everyday normality. I and others at the Levy Board were deeply concerned when the scheme had to lapse at the end of November after the PJA had been unable to find a new sponsor in the current economic climate or other funding from within Racing. The HBLB has stepped in to ensure that the scheme is immediately reinstated.
“I stress that this is a one-off contribution. We will now keep a close liaison with the PJA as it looks to find a new sponsor. It is essential that fresh funding is found to continue this scheme and I am sure that Racing organisations will play an active part in ensuring that the scheme is continued.”
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