The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) — which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year — is to benefit from a new fundraising initiative from Al Shaqab Racing.
Qatar’s Sheikh Joaan’s Al Shaqab outfit has selected 20 horses and will donate its prize-money this season to raise funds for the £3.1million Jack Berry House, the IJF’s 2nd rehabilitation centre due to open in Yorkshire in November.
And Olympic Glory provided the ideal start by winning the Group One JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on Saturday (17 May).
Although Olympic Glory is not one of the “Super 20”, Sheikh Joaan has donated his £120,000 Lockinge winnings to kick-start the initiative.
Al Shaqab racing advisor Harry Herbert said: “Sheikh Joaan wants to support the fantastic work Jack Berry and the IJF are doing all over the country, and Jack Berry House is the perfect vehicle.”
IJF vice president Jack Berry said: “What a great start with Olympic Glory winning at Newbury. I know everyone at the IJF will be cheering on those 20 horses all season.”
£50,000 prize-money already accrued by four of the selected horses — 1000 Guineas 9th Sandiva, Sir Mike, Ayaar and Al Thakira — has also been donated.
The other horses are: Aldayha, Aledaid, Alhamareer, Asyaad, Barreesh, Bnedel, Brutus, Lathah, Lwah, Mishgar, Osaila, Shamshon, Sirheed, Thahab, Wajeeh and Ya Hade Ye Delil.