Comer Group International has today
announced a three-year deal to provide career-ending insurance for all members
of the Irish Jockeys Association (IJA). The insurance scheme, which has been in
place for four years, guarantees that all IJA members, should they suffer a
career-ending injury, will be fully insured and offers them and their families
greater financial security for their retirement than any other previous scheme.
In return, the jockeys will carry the Comer Group International logo on their
breeches.
The original scheme, introduced by the Irish Jockeys
Association, providing a policy of career-ending insurance was funded by the
jockeys themselves at their own considerable cost. As part of this new
partnership, Comer Group International has agreed to take over that existing
premium for a three-year period.
Luke Comer of the Comer Group International, who has a long
tradition of supporting the racing industry and is a well-known owner, breeder
and racehorse trainer with racing interests both in Ireland and
internationally, commented: “Comer Group International are delighted with the
opportunity to support members of the Irish Jockeys Association and very much
look forward to working together for the welfare of jockeys over the coming
years. From my own deep interest and experience of the industry, I fully
understand the risks that these riders take on a daily basis every time they go
out on a horse and we are delighted with the opportunity to support them
through this insurance scheme which gives some additional protection to riders
and their families.”
Andrew Coonan, Irish Jockeys Association Secretary, said:
“The importance of this insurance scheme cannot be emphasised enough.
During the course of the last three years in which we have had this cover, we
have seen a number of riders whose careers have been cut short through
injury. Fortunately, the insurance we now have in place provided them
with some vital finance while trying to re-establish new careers. Without
the invaluable support of Comer Group International, it might not have been
possible to continue with this scheme. We are delighted that such an
internationally successful company has agreed to link up with our jockeys and
thank Luke and Brian Comer for their generous support.”
Andrew Coonan continued: “I would also like to acknowledge
the support the jockeys have received from both the Irish Horseracing
Regulatory Board (IHRB) and Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) who have assisted us
throughout in the initial setting up and subsequent management of this scheme.”
Champion National Hunt Jockey, Paul Townend, said: “I cannot
emphasise enough how important it is to have the career-ending insurance in
place. You only have to look at racing this week to see how any of us are
only a fall away from our careers ending. To have this insurance just
gives that little bit more security to help us deal with the financial disaster
of a career cut short. As you can imagine the cost of this type of
insurance is very high and it is a great credit to Comer Group International
that they have stepped forward to help us and given such a big commitment and
vote of support to jockeys.”
2017 Champion Jockey, Colin Keane, said: “From when we leave
the parade ring, none of us know what lies ahead and everyone in the Weigh Room
has a friend or a colleague whose career has been cut short through
injury. It really is a comfort for all of us to have this type of policy
and it is so important to us and our families to know that we can rely on this
scheme for support. Luke Comer, as a breeder, owner and trainer, has a
great understanding of the risks that we jockeys take every day and we are
delighted that through his company, Comer Group International, we now have this
partnership.”
National Hunt Jockey, Rachael Blackmore, said: “Finding any
type of insurance for professional jockeys is both difficult and very
expensive. The risks we take every day certainly do not make us an
attractive proposition to an insurance company. To have this cover in
place is a great source of comfort and it is a great credit to Comer Group
International to step in and support us.”
IHRB Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jennifer Pugh, said:
“Unfortunately, injuries are a fact of life for our jockeys and any time out of
the saddle leaves them without earnings. Anything that can reduce the
financial burden of losing their careers is to be very much welcomed. It
is a great tribute to the jockeys that they have put this scheme in place for
themselves.”
