Support grows for a jockey rehabilitation centre in North of England (From York Press)

Support grows for a jockey rehabilitation centre in North of England

2:45pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Ryedale news

PICK up a copy of the Racing Post and not a week goes by without a mention of Oaksey House.

Situated in Lambourn, Berkshire, the flagship facility of the Injured Jockeys’ Fund (IJF) is a multi-million pound centre with 12 homes for injured riders, a residents’ centre, respite accommodation, gyms, a function room, a sauna and physio room.

While it might be named after Lord Oaksey, the IJF president, it was the vision of vice-president Jack Berry that led to the construction of Oaksey House. And it is his steely determination that is now focused on raising funds for a similar facility in the North of England – with Malton identified as a possible site.

“I’m a Northerner and I have always thought it was a bit unfortunate that our lads had to go all the way down there when they were injured and needed treatment.

“If we could get something similar to Oaksey House in the North it would be brilliant and particularly for Malton which has so many up and coming trainers.”

Mr Berry said the facility would not just be aimed at jockeys but all those involved in equestrian pursuits including point to point, hunting and stable lads.

“I’m 74 now and I am determined to see my vision up and running before I am carted off in a box,” he added.

“Oaksey House is a magnificent facility, but it’s not much good for injured jockeys up here who don’t want to move to the South. We need that facility and I would like it to happen in my time.

“It will take millions and there are all sorts of people doing all sorts of things to try to make it happen.”

Mr Berry’s vision has received backing from champion jockey Paul Hanagan and Kevin Darley, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys’ Association.

Mr Hanagan, who donated half his earnings in the last couple of weeks of the 2010 season to the ‘House that Jack Built’, said it would be invaluable for the area to have such a facility.

“Oaksey House has been a huge success in the South, and for us in the North to have something similar would be fantastic,” he said.

“It promises to be one of the best things that’s happened to Malton since I came here as a 16-year-old apprentice.”

Mr Darley said the project was extremely significant to the northern racing fraternity and the local community.

“I have experienced first hand how Oaksey House has benefited the local racing community as well as helping to raise the profile of the local area,” he added.

“Malton has, for many years, been renowned for its horseracing and everyone in the North should embrace the fact that the IJF has chosen Malton as the location.

“Jack Berry House is a very exciting project which will offer the northern racing community a stateof- the-art rehabilitation centre and can only help in keeping Malton on the map as one of the best training centres in the country.”

A special appeal has been set up by the Injured Jockeys’ Fund to support the project with people buying a brick – or several bricks – to carry their name or that of their favourite horse or loved one as a record of their donation.

Princess Anne, who is patron of the Injured Jockeys’ Fund, visited trainer John Quinn’s stables and some of the sites being considered for the centre last February.

She was said to be very supportive for the project to build a northern rehabilitation centre.

Mr Berry said that they had looked at a number of sites before settling on the land near Malton and Norton Rugby Club.

“This could be a monumental thing for Malton. There are more horses in and round the town than anywhere else in the country as well as the area producing some of the top jockeys,” he added.

“Building Jack Berry House in Malton would really put the area on the racing map.”