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Sadly what we suspected on the day has been confirmed.
It shows just how fragile any of our lives can be and we never know what is around the corner – underlining how important it is we all live our lives to the full.
It speaks volumes for the man that he is positive about the future and it is clear he has a close group of family and friends to help him.
For all its many faults one thing racing does do is look after its own in times of need.
This is a good time to remember the work carried out by the IJF and I will repeat here what i wrote in my report on Gold Cup day.
"If you backed some winners at the Festival, even if like me you didn’t, spare a thought and consider making a donation to the Injured Jockeys Fund as they will be the ones still looking after JT and other fallen riders when their falls become a distant memory."http://www.injuredjockeys.co.uk/
Thoughts and best wishes to JT McNamara his family and friends.
Hats off to the Men and Women who bring us the sport we love.
This is a good time to remember the work carried out by the IJF and I will repeat here what i wrote in my report on Gold Cup day.
I think everyone interested in racing who can afford it should donate to the IJF. I’m certainly going to.
I have been informed that JT will never walk and is paralyzed.This tragedy is surely beyond understanding.
I am reminded of the story of Jake Chalfin, who was paralyzed in a fall at the Blue Ridge Hunt Races two years ago.
http://youtu.be/Z2ruHGVplzU
http://www.chasinforchalfin.com/
Our little chasing community has really rallied around Jake. Since he’s an amateur he doesn’t benefit from the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, and since this is Amurrica his insurance doesn’t fully cover his medical bills. In my opinion there needs to be a serious restructuring of the US Jockey’s Guild and the NTRA’s attitude towards out jumps jockeys, and amateurs in particular, because they really have failed them in this respect.
When Jake took a trip this past winter to the UK he wrote about staying at the IJF’s Oaksey House and getting to use their wheelchair-accessible kitchen. He doesn’t have the money to renovate his own kitchen so that he can prepare his own food. That to me is just not acceptable.
The IJF is a wonderful organization and I’m glad that they will do right by McNamara and ensure his care.
All thoughts to JT and his family.
Will be donating to IJF who do such wonderful work.Things turn out best for those who make the best of how things turn out...I have been informed that JT will never walk and is paralyzed.This tragedy is surely beyond understanding.
I’m afraid it all happens so suddenly, these life changes. We’ve had a very similar tragedy here in Switzerland with one of the ice hockey players being slammed into the side of the ring. The first thing he said to the attendents was he couldn’t feel his arms or legs. Same vertebrae fractures as JT. This was only a few days before JT’s fall so when I read about his injuries I feared the outcome. At least he is positive, but it’s going to take major adjustments for all his family and friends. Best wishes JT, we’re all thinking of you.
So sad that someone who gave so much to the sport finishes their career in this way. JT will always be a legend.
So sad that someone who gave so much to the sport finishes their career in this way. JT will always be a legend.
I was told on Thursday that he was planning to hang up his boots at the end of this season – that makes it even more poignant.
Racing Post: Gigginstown give €200,000 to McNamara
Gigginstown’s Michael O’Leary will donate €200,000 to paralysed jockey JT McNamara following the win of Akorakor in the Racing Post bumper at Fairyhouse.Good for him – I’m sure everyone will be very generous – it won’t bring back his movement but it will make life a little easier for him and his family …
Can I mention the Spinal Research charity for those thinking of making a charitable donation. They fund and organise research into solutions to spinal injury and your contribution may help find at least a partial cure for JT and others in a similar situation.
www dot spinal-research dot org
Terrible news. I happened upon footage of the fall yesterday and it seemed so innocuous at the time – I am guessing he was kicked by another horse in the melee.
It doesn’t bear thinking what losing the power of a limb(s) or a sense e.g. sight does to you mentally let alone the physical pain, and one can only pity him and his family. Yes Paul, if retirement was on his mind then the tragedy does indeed take on an even more poignant perspective.
Mr O’Leary’s gesture was very kind indeed, and I have no doubt J P McManus has already dug deep. Whilst money doesn’t make the loss of J T’s mobility any easier to take, at least it takes the financial worries away from his family.
With the challenge of Aintree upon us again, we are reminded how precarious the job of the N H jockley is and let us pray they all come back safely with their mounts this week.
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