#NationalJockeyDay

• Betfair has partnered with the Injured Jockeys Fund and Haydock Park Racecourse to raise funds and provide support and recognition for jockeys across the country
• The average flat jockey has 220 rides per year, traveling at speeds of up to 40mph, at a height of 6ft
• The average jump jockey has 160 rides per year, over around 4000 jumps

When thinking of horse racing, our minds avert to the daring outfits, big hats, bright colours, and of course the beautiful horses. But what’s often overlooked is that, each day, jockeys get up at the crack of dawn to train, drive hundreds of miles to their races and put themselves in constant danger of injury – all to ensure they are performing at the highest level and taking the sport we love to new heights.

In reality there is little understanding of the gruelling regimes, focused minds and honed physical prowess of jockeys who make a living taming one of the most powerful creatures on land, frequently reaching speeds of up to 40mph. Online Bookmaker Betfair recognise what it takes to be a jockey, and have created National Jockey Day to raise awareness of the thousands of jockeys across the country – from the household names to the less well known journeymen. The day will launch at Haydock Park Racecourse on Saturday 22nd November during the Betfair Chase Festival.

National Jockey Day already has the backing of renowned horse trainer Paul Nicholls, ex hunt jockey Mick Fitzgerald and official campaign partners Haydock Park Racecourse and The Injured Jockeys Fund.

Working with these key stakeholders, Betfair found the average flat jockey rides 220 races per year, while the average jump jockey takes to the saddle for 162 rides a year. This makes for interesting reading compared to other sports athletes. On average a football player competes in 47 matches a year, rugby players 42 times a year and the Formula One calendar schedules 19 races across the globe.

Many people don’t know that despite the long days, high skill levels and danger the average wage for a jockey is £30,680 per year. Flat jockey race fees are set at £118.29 per ride, jump jockeys earn marginally more at £161.51 – Betfair want to support riders at Haydock Park on the 22nd by giving the riders a Price Rush to their fees, allowing them to receive a greater reward for a job well done.

In order to highlight the attributes of jockeys and the unique jobs they do, infographics and video content have been created to support the campaign. ‘A day in the life of a jockey’ and ‘we are jockeys’ are videos that give racing fans an insight into the everyday life of a jockey, including preparation for a race, pre-race tactics, and the effects of racing at a high standard.

Betfair spokesperson, Naomi Totten commented: “We feel jockeys are one of the hardest working athletes in sport and deserve a day where the nation supports their unwavering efforts. By partnering with the Injured Jockeys Fund, the hope is this year’s campaign can go some way to giving back to an integral industry charity. We urge people to get involved and support the campaign and would also like to personally thank all our partners for their support of National Jockey Day.”

Support National Jockey Day by tweeting #NationalJockeyDay with £1 per tweet (Up to £10,000) being donated to the Injured Jockeys Fund by Betfair themselves. Fans can also personally donate £5 by texting ‘IJF’ to 70800 on/or ahead of the day.