Falls emphasise fund's worth

"On the Gallops" by Malcolm Coward, distinguishes the front of this year's Injured Jockeys Fund Christmas card, the fund's chief source of revenue.

In a year which has claimed the life of one jockey, Richard Davis, in a racecourse fall, and at a time when two of the leading riders over jumps, Mark Dwyer and Lorcan Wyer, are out of action because of serious injury, the risks which riders take and the need of a fund to support them remain all to vividly clear.

Dwyer, whose arm was smashed in a fall at Kelso on Monday, has been weaned off painkillers and was allowed home from hospital yesterday. Wyer is determined to ride again after a fall and a kicking at Aintree a fortnight ago left him with multiple facial injuries. "Half an inch difference and I could have lost an eye," he said.

Available with the cards, which cost pounds 4.50 per pack of 10, are calendars (pounds 6 each), ties (pounds 10), tote bags (pounds 7). Orders should go to the Injured Jockeys Co Ltd, 29 Mill Lane, Welwyn, Herts. AL6 9EU. Telephone: (01483) 715430; Fax: (01438) 717515.