Betfred Aims to Raise GBP 2.2 Million for Injured Jockeys

The bookmaker has chosen to sponsor a North Yorkshire centre for injured jockeys this year.

Online and mobile betting company Betfred has chosen the Jack Berry House as its official charity for this year. The center is currently under construction near Malton and the bookmaker said it aims to raise GBP 2.2 million to help fund the project.

The building is being built by the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) and should be ready by November, if everything goes according to plan. The charity’s main goal is to offer help for professional jockeys recovering from horse racing injuries.

IJF vice-president Jack Berry told reporters: “I’m delighted Betfred has picked us as its official charity and I would personally like to thank Fred Done. His support and that of the Betfred team means a lot.”

Supporting “the bravest sportsmen and women”

The IJF is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. The organization has spent more than GBP 18 million helping over 1,000 professionals who have suffered serious injuries. It also runs a centre for retired jockeys in Lambourn, Berkshire.

The two partners have already thought of a few events to help raise the money, including a race day and a special sportsman’s dinner. Betfred employees will be encouraged to organize their own sponsored events.

Betfred is one of the most famous online sportsbooks in the UK and founder Fred Done says he has great admiration for jockeys. “Jack Berry is a legend in my opinion and I hope we can help him reach his goal of building this fantastic facility in the North of England".

“Jockeys are the bravest sportsmen and women out there, putting their lives on the line every day. I’m proud to support Jack Berry House,” he said.