KIDS FOUNDATION AND VICTORIAN JOCKEYS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE LIFE SAVING PARTNERSHIP
Champion Jockeys Jamie and Ben Melham to ride in the 2025 Tour d’Horse
The KIDS Foundation and the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) are thrilled to announce a significant new partnership and fund dedicated to supporting injured jockeys and their families.
The fund, JOCKEYS ARE FAMILY FUND - VJA, will provide essential support, aiding in their recovery and enhancing the jockey’s quality of life following their trauma experienced on the track.
The partnership will be officially launched as part of this year’s Tour d’Horse event, the major fundraising initiative for the KIDS Foundation.
Representing the team for the VJA at Tour d’Horse will be two of Australia’s most prominent jockeys, Jamie and Ben Melham, raising funds and awareness from the saddle for this incredible cause.
KIDS Foundation CEO Dr. Susie O'Neill OAM expressed her excitement about the partnership.
“We are delighted to join forces with the VJA for the Tour d’Horse. This collaboration allows us to extend our support to injured jockeys and their families, helping them recover and improve their quality of life. Together, we aim to build a foundation for autonomy, happiness, and social connections,” Dr O’Neill said.
VJA CEO Matthew Hyland shared his enthusiasm.
“The VJA is proud to partner with the KIDS Foundation and participate in this year’s Tour d’Horse with our own team, including champion jockeys Jamie and Ben Melham, to officially launch the JOCKEYS ARE FAMILY FUND - VJA,” Mr Hyland said.
“The establishment of the JOCKEYS ARE FAMILY FUND – VJA and the partnership with the KIDS Foundation is a significant step in our commitment to providing robust support for injured jockeys and their families.”
Jamie Melham said she was feeling very inspired to be part of this year’s Tour d’Horse.
“Being part of this year’s Tour d’Horse with Ben and riding to help such an incredible cause in the KIDS Foundation means so much to me," Mrs Melham said.
“After my fall in 2023, I experienced the support of the VJA first hand as I recovered from my life-threatening injuries. I know what it means to have people around you to help you get back on track, and to know the KIDS Foundation will be there to help jockeys and their families at the time when they need it most, means a lot to me."
The Victorian Jockeys Association is committed to the welfare of jockeys, ensuring safe and sustainable careers while providing high-level professional support. This partnership marks a milestone in their mission to advocate for jockeys both on and off the track.