August 27, 2020

The Darwin Turf Club will raise awareness for the National Jockeys Trust on its August 29 race day, commemorating the jockeys who have lost their lives and celebrating the achievements of current and former jockeys.

Darwin Turf Club chief executive Brad Morgan said the principle purpose of the National Jockeys Trust was to provide support for former and current jockeys and their families who are in necessitous circumstances as a result of serious injury, illness, or death of a jockey.

“This trust has been critical in helping jockeys not just here in the Top End, but all over Australia,” he said.

“It’s a day we remember riders like Melanie Tyndall, Roger Booth and Simone Montgomerie and the lasting impact they’ve had on racing here in the Territory.

“We could not run this industry without our jockeys and we’re thankful for the hard work they put in and sacrifices they make every day to keep this industry going.”

The Darwin Turf Club partners with the National Jockeys Trust each year to put on a day of racing for jockeys in the Territory.

“We have some special moments throughout the day with a visit from the mounted police, a minute silence for our fallen jockeys and a blessing of the track by Reverend Phil Zamagais before the feature to be held in the memory of Melanie Tyndall,” Mr Morgan said.

“Jockey Stan Tsaikos will also wear the National Jockeys’ Trust silks in the Melanie Tyndall Memorial Handicap.”

The first of four races jumps at 3.25pm on Saturday, August 29.