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National Jockey Day at Haydock

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Image: Jockeys brave the Grand National fences at Aintree

National Jockey Day is to be launched at Haydock's Betfair Chase meeting on Saturday to raise awareness and recognise the relentless and dangerous work jockeys do.

The initiative is being supported by online bookmaker Betfair, the Injured Jockeys Fund and Haydock racecourse. It has also received the backing of eight-times champion jumps trainer Paul Nicholls, and retired jump jockey Mick Fitzgerald, whose career came to an end when he broke his neck in a fall in the Grand National.

The average Flat jockey rides in 220 races per year, while the average jump jockey has 162 mounts.

Despite the long days at work, high skill levels and danger, the average wage for a jockey is £30,680 per year. Flat jockey race fees are set at £118.29 per ride, jump jockeys slightly more at £161.51.

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Mick Fitzgerald explains about a new racing initiative designed to help injured jockeys.

Betfair spokesperson, Naomi Totten, said: "We feel jockeys are one of the hardest working athletes in sport and deserve a day where the nation supports their unwavering efforts.

"By partnering with the Injured Jockeys Fund, the hope is this year's campaign can go some way to giving back to an integral industry charity.

"We urge people to get involved and support the campaign and would also like to personally thank all our partners for their support of National Jockey Day."

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People can support National Jockey Day by tweeting #NationalJockeyDay with £1 per tweet (up to £10,000) being donated to the Injured Jockeys Fund by Betfair.

Fans can also donate £5 by texting 'IJF' to 70800 on/or ahead of Saturday.

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