Financial Aid Package Launched to Help Jockeys
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Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post
Jockeys wait to be called to weigh out for the opener at Thurles
Three schemes designed to help provide financial support to jockeys through the COVID-19 crisis have been launched by the Professional Jockeys Association.
Planned support for riders was announced as part of the £22 million package for racing from the Levy Board and the Racing Foundation last week, with valets and jockeys' agents also covered for loss of income due to the shutdown of the sport in Britain since March 18.
Jockeys, valets, and agents who have not been able to take advantage of the government's self-employment help package will have access to a similar program from the PJA, which will pay 80% of a person's average monthly earnings up to £2,500.
Payments will be backdated to when racing ceased and will run until the end of June, in line with the government measures.
Additionally, grants are being provided by the Racing Foundation to cover people claiming under the government self-employed scheme, which expects to pay out in June, with the grants repayable when the government help kicks in.
"I would personally like to show my appreciation on behalf of the jockeys for all the hard work that the PJA team has been putting in over the last few weeks," said PJA flat president PJ McDonald. "It has given jockeys a lot of comfort in these trying times, knowing that they have such a strong team working on their behalf."
Jockeys will also be able to access hardship grants via the Jockeys Association Trust and Injured Jockeys Fund, which have both pledged in the region of £300,000 to the scheme, alongside a "significant contribution" from the Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust.
"We are pleased to be able to launch these schemes so quickly after they were announced last Friday. They will be of significant assistance and provide reassurance to our members as well as their agents and valets," said PJA's chief executive Paul Struthers. "Both the PJA and its members are extremely grateful to the Racing Foundation trustees and their chief executive, Rob Hezel. I would also like to offer our sincere thanks to the Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust, who have made a significant contribution to the hardship grants."