Every year the AJA support various charities by organising charity races which are run outside the Rules of Racing.  From 2010, every charity race organised by the AJA will donate 10% of proceeds to The Injured Jockeys Fund regardless of the main charity concerned.  Riders come from a variety of backgrounds and are of all shapes and sizes with a wide variety of experience, ability and age.  There is  a lower age limit of 16.  Our oldest jockey ever was the late John Ciechanowski, an exceptional man, ex-professional jockey and Vice President of the AJA, who took part in Newbury’s 2005 race at the age of 83!  Above all, jockeys must be race fit to take part.  All charity races are run on the Flat.

Riders who are proficient in the saddle are asked to provide their own horses, which must have run at least twice either under Rules or in point-to-points.  Please note that the AJA cannot be responsible for providing horses.  If riders cannot prove their ability by their riding history, they must attend an assessment day at either The British Racing School in Newmarket or The Northern Racing College in Doncaster, although if in the regular employment of a Licensed Trainer and regularly riding work, exceptions can be made.

Licensed amateur jockeys (and point-to-point jockeys) are welcome to take part in charity races as it is an excellent introduction to the racecourse for inexperienced jockeys to gain further experience.  Sour or inexperienced horses can also benefit, with races started by flag rather than stalls and runners restricted to a maximum field of 12. On more than one occasion a jaded horse has been sweetened up to go on and win on the racecourse next time out!

Very many thanks to all our riders who have taken part in charity races this year: at Newbury on 11th June in aid of Spinal Injuries won by Alan King’s Assistant MARK WEEKS; at Doncaster on 1st August in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Injured Jockeys Fund won by journalist and TV presenter TOM O’RYAN returning to the scene of his first ride 37 years before; at Towcester on 5th November won by KAYLEIGH BRIDGER and at Cheltenham on 15th November won by HATTIE ROCHESTER.  Many thanks also to all owners, trainers and racecourses for their help and support in making these races possible.

Sponsorship levels vary from race to race but we usually ask riders to aim for a goal of £1,000.  Riders can boost their monies raised by asking their sponsors to donate on- line through the Just Giving website.  This automatically adds Gift Aid (which is tax relief on money donated to UK charities).

 If you are interested in taking part in a charity race organised by the AJA in the near future, please contact Sarah Oliver on 01886 884488 or e-mail sph.oliver@btinternet.com.

CHARITY RACES PLANNED TO TAKE PLACE IN 2010:

CHELTENHAM 18th March on Ladies Day at Cheltenham Festival in aid of CANCER RESEARCH UK.  Lady riders only!  Application forms available from AJA office for this hugely popular fund raising event with each of the 12 riders being asked to raise £5,000 for Cancer Research UK.

CHEPSTOW 25th March in aid of PAUL’S PLACE:  Paul’s Place is the only charity specifically supporting adults with any physical and cognitive impairment in the Bristol area - this includes Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset.  Each rider asked to raise £1,000.

NEWBURY 10th June in aid of SPINAL INJURIES ASSOCIATION with annual SIA charity lunch and auction prior to racing.

DONCASTER tbc August

NEWCASTLE tbc October

TOWCESTER tbc November