Newmarket Injured Jockeys Fund marks 60 years on Grand National weekend

A charity set up to help injured jockeys after two men were paralysed in falls during the Grand National is marking its 60th anniversary.

The Injured Jockey's Fund, based in Newmarket, Suffolk, was founded in 1964.

It has helped thousands of jockeys and their families with physical, mental health and financial support.

Chief executive of the Injured Jockey's Fund, Lisa Hancock, said the anniversary was a "big milestone".

The charity was founded after Tim Brookshaw and Paddy Farrell were injured in the Grand National at Aintree in 1963 and 1964 respectively.

Injuries sustained in the falls caused paralysis and ended both jockey's careers.

'Really tough sport'

The fund, whose patron is HRH The Princess Royal, has paid out more than £22m in grants and charitable expenditure of £75m.

Since 2009, the Fund has opened rehabilitation centres in Lambourn, Berkshire, Malton, North Yorkshire and Newmarket.

Ms Hancock said: "It's a really, really tough sport. The jockeys love it but it's dangerous.

"The safety measures have improved beyond all recognition and now.

"I think the medical care that's in place is really second to none, both on the course and in the follow up we are able to give.

"It's a really big milestone for us - 60 years of the charity."

She estimated the charity is in contact with 1,000 people at any one time.

"We support any jockey, anywhere in the country and their dependents. We have a lot of people and family members of jockeys who need that support," she added.

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