Crucial care for riders

The death at the weekend of Paddy Farrell, whose paralysing injury in the 1964 Grand National was an inspiration behind the formation of the Injured Jockeys Fund, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that jockeys face daily and of the indispensable work done by the Fund over 35 years.

The death at the weekend of Paddy Farrell, whose paralysing injury in the 1964 Grand National was an inspiration behind the formation of the Injured Jockeys Fund, serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that jockeys face daily and of the indispensable work done by the Fund over 35 years.

Sadly, there are always new beneficiaries for the Fund's resources, with Scott Taylor, seriously injured in a fall at Perth in August, the latest jockey in need of long-term care.

The sale of Christmas cards and calendars remains the Fund's most valuable source of income. This year's card features a painting by Sue Crawford of Istabraq, who is back in action at Fairyhouse on Sunday, in full flight and costs £5 for a pack of 10. The calendar, featuring 12 horses selected by the Fund's chairman, John Oaksey, and lovingly described by him, costs £7. Playing cards, postcards, diaries, ties and tea towels can also be ordered, all on the IJF's freephone order line 08080 453453 between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.