Past and present jockeys will be honoured with a minute’s silence on Super Family Day at Flemington this Saturday, 13 March, as part of National Jockey Celebration Day (NJCD) Victoria.

NJCD is held each year to remember the contribution jockeys have made to the Australian racing industry since the sport commenced in Australia over 150 years ago.

Prior to Race 5, the Group 3 National Jockey Celebration Day – Victoria Plate, Father Brendan Dillon will begin the official commemorative proceedings by blessing the track.

At approximately 2:10pm, patrons will be encouraged to pause and reflect on riders who have lost their lives in racing incidents and pay tribute to the jockeys who risk their lives for the love of the sport each day.

Furthermore, the top-weighted jockey in Race 5 will wear a special set of National Jockeys Trust colours. The National Jockeys Trust was established in 2004 to provide financial support to riders in need, along with the families of riders who have been left behind.

Since its inception, the National Jockeys Trust has approved grants in excess of $500,000. Volunteers will be selling commemorative pins, caps and pens at the track with all proceeds going to the Trust.

This year’s National Jockey Celebration Day (Victoria) Ambassador, former jockey Sam Hyland will also assist in the presentation of a special whip to the winning rider of the race.

Hyland suffered career ending injuries at Ballarat in March 2009 but remains passionate about the industry.

Victorian Jockeys Association Chief Executive Des O’Keefe, said, “National Jockey Celebration Day is extremely important to the Victorian jockey fraternity. In particular we remember the lives of four young Victorian jockeys lost in recent years; Andrew Gilbert, Mark Goring, Gavin Lisk and Adrian Ledger.

“I encourage everyone on course on Saturday at Flemington to donate generously to the National Jockeys Trust.”