Partnership Helps Jockey’s Trust Fund
6 August 2013 at 11:31 am
The Australian Jockeys’ Association (AJA) and union super fund, LUCRF Super have entered into a three-year partnership that will ensure ‘significant ongoing financial support’ for the National Jockeys’ Trust (NJT), through the sponsorship of jockeys’ breeches.
All funds from the partnership will be directed towards helping jockeys and their families in times of stress.
The announcement comes after the tragic death of young Jockey Simone Montgomerie who died after falling from a horse during a race at the Darwin Cup meeting yesterday. The 26-year-old fell from the leading horse and was trampled by other horses.
As part of the sponsorship deal, which started from August 1, 2013, all riders will wear jockey breeches displaying the LUCRF Super logo at all racecourses nationally.
The NJT was established in 2004 to provide support and financial assistance to Australian jockeys facing hardship due to life-changing, career-ending injuries and illnesses incurred in their role as a jockey. The NJT also provides support to families of riders who have passed away.
An ACTU survey found 69% of jockeys struggled to put food on the table and many were injured so badly they were unable to race for more than a year. Most made less than $40,000 a year and had no guarantee of regular work.
A 2009 medical study also found being a jockey was one of the most dangerous jobs in Australia with more than 3,000 falls, nearly 900 serious injuries and multiple deaths.
“I am thrilled to announce the partnership with LUCRF Super,” said Ross Ingils, AJA Chairman and NJT Trustee.
“I am acutely aware of the vital role played by the NJT in providing assistance to injured Australian jockeys who are in need. We are extremely appreciative to have entered into this exciting partnership with LUCRF Super, an organisation with whom we are proud to be associated,” Inglis said.
“While insurance benefits have improved significantly in the last couple of seasons, there are still any number of riders from years gone by, and even from the present group, who slip through cracks in the insurance schemes and end up in necessitous circumstances.”
“Partnering with the AJA to support the NJT is a good fit with LUCRF Super’s approach and our view of life and our themes and principles,” CEO of LUCRF Super Greg Sword said.
“The partnership with the AJA is an important social investment at a national level. It provides a great opportunity for us to build public awareness of LUCRF Super, and at that same time, we know that we are directly assisting injured working people and their families,” Sword said.
The Labour Union Co-operative Retirement Fund (LUCRF Super) was established in 1978 by the Federated Storeman and Packers Union (now known as the National Union of Workers – NUW) and is Australia’s first industry super fund.
The National Jockeys’ Trust has provided more than $1.3 million of support to more than 130 jockeys and their families since its inception in 2004 through a previous sponsorship arrangement with Jayco.
