The Professional Jockeys Association has partnered with the National Trainers Federation to combat the abuse received by jockeys and trainers from members of the public.
Launched in autumn 2023, the NTF’s abuse reporting service has received more than 150 reports of abusive messages being sent to trainers, either by social media, direct message, email or phone calls. Through the support and advice offered by the service, numerous individuals have been traced, warned and not reoffended and there are three current live police investigations.
The new partnership will extend that advice and support to jockeys and leading the project is former police Superintendent Sean Memory. He brings a wealth of expertise in the management of investigations and his experience has already been of immense value in securing the information that has allowed offenders to be contacted or for the BHA and police to act, including this recent example received by a leading trainer this week, with the sender contacted and warned, and the police
informed:
“To whom it may concern
I just witnessed an absolutely abysmal ride from a c**t of a jockey… The race was only worth £16000, obviously not enough to interest you or that arse wipe of a jockey. 4/5 in the betting, nearest was 5/1, according to those odds, a certainty. How wrong was I, to rely on a near certainty to perform as atrociously as that. I always say, the worse about the Flat is that the jockeys have very little chance of a very serious injury, that jockey deserves to suffer one soon. That b*****d cost me a bundle of cash, hopefully, serious Health problems will affect him and his Family, I live in hope.”
Paul Struthers, Chief Executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said:
“Receiving abusive comments has become par for the course for jockeys as well as trainers, but it is one thing to be criticised and another to be abused, particularly when that abuse is unlawful. Jockeys already receive advice on how to protect themselves as much as online platforms allow and we have supported numerous jockeys who have received abuse in the past. However, by partnering with the NTF’s reporting service and working with Sean, we hope to collect more information so action can be taken against those perpetuating the abuse.”
Paul Johnson, Chief Executive of the National Trainers Federation, said:
“We are very pleased that the PJA has joined us in our efforts to tackle abusive messages sent to the sport’s participants and see this as an opportunity to widen the scope of the work that Sean is being so effective in undertaking. We have seen in recent months that challenging this behaviour can make a real difference and we look forward to continuing to support this important project in tandem with the PJA."