TWO pieces of kit mark out the gym at Lambourn’s Oaksey House as different. Alongside the rowing machines, weights and mats is a mechanical horse, parallel to a mirror, and a waist-high wooden frame with a tabletop and sheepskin-lined straps to support someone trying to stand up. They’re a visible reminder of who this place serves.
The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) was set up by Lord Oaksey (then John Lawrence; he inherited his title in 1971) to help two jockeys, Tim Brookshaw and Paddy Farrell, who both suffered career-ending falls in the 1964 Grand National, which left them paralysed. Since then, it has helped well over a thousand jockeys and paid out over £20m in charitable assistance.
When the IJF opened Oaksey House in 2009 as a specialist rehab centre, Brough Scott, its then chairman, said of the eponymous Lord, “What John has taught us is that while winning, obsessing about winning, is the very essence of racing and indeed of much of life, there is honour and satisfaction in thinking about the losers too. The IJF was, and is, dedicated to those in need.”
That includes professionals, amateurs, point-to-pointers, apprentices, conditionals; anyone who has ever held a jockey’s licence and their families, all eligible for free, confidential, holistic support and help for their entire lifetime. A truly remarkable commitment.
When Oaksey House practice manager Jayne Matthews started working here, she recalls a “rotund man in his eighties with a bad knee”. She asked tentatively if he’d ever held a jockey licence.
“I have, yes,” he replied. “I actually won the Grand National.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
