By DAVID NAGEL
MEBOURNE Cup winning jockeys Glen Boss and Damien Oliver will team up when the Jockeys take on the Racing All Stars in the National Jockey’s Trust T20 cricket match at Casey Fields on Monday.
The brain-child of jockey Jason Benbow, the event enters its second year with the purpose of raising awareness of the important role the NJT plays in the industry… at the same time raising funds and having a great community day out.
A staggering 500 names adorn a memorial statue at Caulfield Racecourse, commemorating those who have paid the ultimate price in riding accidents around Australia.
And while most people have phobias that can be neatly tucked away, it’s difficult for jockeys when the signs of danger are eminently prevalent.
“There’s not many jobs where you go to work and have two ambulances follow you around,” Benbow said.
“It’s something we don’t really think or talk about too much but we definitely take risks.
“We enjoy what we do and it’s an exciting sport to be a part of… but there is an element of danger.”
The NJT supports individuals and families, not just those affected by a fatal tragedy but also the impact of career ending injuries.
Highlighting this is the fact that the two teams, the Jockeys, coached by former Sydney Thunder coach Shane Duff, and the All Stars, coached by media personality Richard Callander, will compete for the David Taggart Perpetual Trophy.
“We actually named the trophy after David to highlight that point,” Benbow said.
“David got bucked off a horse at Stony Creek, broke both his ankles and has been told he will never ride again, so it’s not just about supporting families who have paid the ultimate price, it’s about supporting jockeys who are going through difficult times.”
The first of the now annual T20 contests was played at Red Hill last year and ended in a tie, but Benbow is under no illusion and realises his team needs to improve if it’s to be competitive this time around.
“The result probably flattered us a bit last year, the All Stars had us covered, but we’re taking it a bit more serious this time around,” he said.
“Shane’s had us in the nets and blokes like Damien Oliver and Steve Arnold have been hitting the ball pretty well, but we might struggle a bit with the ball, and our fielding’s not that flash.
“It’s amazing how we’re prepared to jump on a horse and ride but we’re all scared of a cricket ball.”
And the number one target for the jockeys will be?
“Bruce Clark. He’s their captain and he’s a bit of a bully.
“He’ll be sitting in first slip because he can’t run, trash talking our players, but we’re ready for the banter.”
The day promises to be a beauty with kids’ activities including pony rides, jumping castle, Kelly Sports games and activities, egg and spoon races, three-legged races, sack races and plenty of giveaways and prizes for the kids.
A barbecue lunch and dinner and fully catered canteen and cash bar will be available while the day will also see the launch of the Inglis Pin and Win competition for the Melbourne Festival of Racing.
Entertainment includes live commentary by the Punter-to-Punter Team of Con Marasco, Slim Whittle and Dr Turf while cover band Jack Hammer will perform post match.
A raffle, auction items, market stalls and what’s sure to be an entertaining awards presentation will cap off a fun day for all the family.
Donations to this great cause can be made on the day or direct to the National Jockeys Trust via the website www.njt.org.au.
Donations via website are fully tax deductible.
Gates open at noon for a 1pm start and entry is free to all.
TEAMS
JOCKEYS RACING ALL STARS
Jason Benbow – Captain Bruce Clark – Captain
Luke Nolen Jason Richardson – TVN/SEN
Damien Oliver Mick Sharkie – TVN/The Age
Steven Arnold David Gately – TVN/Best Bets
Chad Schofield John Salanitri – Trainer
Brad Rawiller Stephen Bell – MVRC
Hugh Bowman Jake Norton – MRC
Glen Boss Adam White – RSN Racing and Sport
Lincoln Coffey Michael Christian – RSN Racing and Sport
Dale Smith Simon Marshall – Seven Network
Matthew Allen John Rombotis (TBC)
Nathan Rose Simon O’Donnell (TBC)
Andrew Mallyon Gerard Whately (TBC)
Luke Currie Rob Craddock (TBC)
Michelle Payne Leigh Newton (TBC)
