10 Years of Community - The Injured Jockeys Fund

Chelmsford City Racecourse Talks To Jockey Laura Pearson And The Injured Jockeys Fund

As part of our ‘10 Years of Community’ campaign and fundraising for 10 carefully selected charities in 2025, we are kicking off with The Injured Jockeys Fund. Founded in 1964 following the devastating accidents of Tim Brookshaw and then Paddy Farrell in the Grand National, both of which led to severe paralysis and the abrupt end to their careers. Since then, the fund has helped thousands of jockeys and their families, paying out more than £22m in grants and charitable expenditure of £75m.

At Chelmsford City Racecourse we recognise the importance of supporting equine charities with the Injured Jockeys Fund being no exception. On Saturday 22nd February we are delighted to welcome the fund to the racecourse as they raise awareness and fundraise for this all-important charity. Ahead of their visit Jo Flaherty, Head of Community went along to Peter O’Sullevan House in Newmarket to speak with one of their beneficiaries Laura Pearson, and chat to a coach on the importance of the crucial role they play in supporting injured and active jockeys.

Laura Pearson began her career when she gained her license five years ago at 18. As a regular rider at Chelmsford, her local track, she notes “Trainers seem to like it and it’s a lovely track to ride on.” Feeling that she has had a very lucky career a highlight has to be a top win at Royal Ascot in 2021 on Lola Showgirl for Dave Loughnane, and her favourite horse is Sparks Fly!

However, following her incredible success, the next July when at Epsom Laura’s saddle slipped and she came off her horse and fell into the horses next to her, but recalls “I can’t remember any of it, which is probably handy!” Laura suffered a fractured C7 vertebra in her neck and spent the next six months in rehabilitation at Peter O’Sullevan House, receiving full support from the Injured Jockeys Fund. Reflecting on her recovery, Laura shared “It was tough, when I look back it seems years ago now, but it was a very long six months and I am very lucky to have this facility with Glen and Emma the PT’s and physiotherapists who helped me through it.”

Jo remarked that six months doesn’t seem like a long time to recover from such an injury, to which Laura replied, “If I didn’t have this facility I don’t how long it would have been before I got moving again, but I was straight here in a neck brace doing exercises, having rehab and getting physio, so I am really lucky to have had this support.”

When asked what it was like to get back on a horse Laura laughed and said “I actually said at the time that it was like being back home. One of the hardest parts of it was to actually not be on a horse which I’ve had the pleasure of doing my whole life, so it was like someone taking one of my legs away.”

Laura then went on to say that “The fund are just a phone call away and whenever we need any guidance or help, they really step up, especially with the mental health side of things, which is really helpful for us being in this industry. Whatever we need they are always there to lend a hand, and I will 100 percent continue to come here, and they would be lucky to kick me out of it!”

Glen Reed the strength and conditioning coach, who helped Laura with her injury then shared some insights about being part of the team at The Injured Jockey’s Fund.

“I’ve been here about five and a half years since it officially opened. My diary is predominantly filled up with fit and able jockeys, but we are always focused on achieving those small one percent marginal gains to help them stay fit, healthy, and strong on the horses. I bridge the gap between the mid stage and end stage of their rehab, which is the last port of call to ensure they are fighting fit.

I first met Laura before her injury when her jockey coach brought her in for an introduction. She had had a pretty good winter where the wins were just racking up, and you wouldn’t believe it now, but she was quite a shy jockey at the time and kept her head down. We gradually chip away at the ice to build that relationship, and now Laura comes here quite regularly, and has a great personality around the gym, not just with the staff but the other jockeys as well.

After an injury it can be really challenging for the jockeys as they lose all stability and routine of their daily life; getting up early, riding out, hitting the gym, and going off to race. When that routine gets taken away it can feel quite isolating for them, so when they come in, they have the whole team behind them. We help them with every aspect of their recovery from gym work, mental health support, to massage and hydrotherapy. As athletes jockeys not only need to focus on hydration and nutrition but also require quality strength training in the gym, along with fitness to perform at their best.”

When asked about funding, Glen explained that they rely purely on donations and the generosity of the public. He emphasised that it’s a common misconception that injured jockeys have to contribute to their recovery. The three centers across the UK cost £6 million to run, and every donation is super appreciated. He also highlighted the efforts of the team who raise money for themselves, for example Cat Leeson from Jack Berry House who ran 12 marathons in 12 months. He added “The racing community is really good at coming together to raise funds which is fantastic.”

Lisa Hancock CEO, Injured Jockeys Fund added:

“The Injured Jockeys Fund are very grateful to Chelmsford City Racecourse and the racing public for their kind generosity via this fantastic initiative; we rely totally on charitable income & funds raised each year. We wish you all the best in your 10th Anniversary year and thank you for all your support”