The Victorian Jockeys Association will show their support for equine welfare by carrying Racing Victoria’s Off The Track logo on their breeches.

RV and the VJA announced a three-year sponsorship deal which will provide funding to support jockeys and their families in their time of need.

Victoria’s peak racing body has committed to a three-year deal from the start of the new racing season for jockeys to carry the logo which promotes numerous post-racing initiatives undertaken by the industry.

Off The Track is central to RV’s post racing strategy and contains a number of welfare programs and initiatives while the VJA and RV work closely on a number of welfare initiatives for riders.

Giles Thompson, chief executive of RV said they were thrilled to expand their support of the VJA.

“With millions of people enjoying Victorian racing each year, it is exciting to know that Off The Track will feature prominently each and every day,” Thompson said.

“In particular, we’re looking forward to promoting the Off The Track brand in all of our biggest races this Spring Racing Carnival and using that to help showcase some of the important stories and progress being made for horses post-racing.”

VJA executive officer Matthew Hyland said the sponsorship provides an opportunity to further expand and develop significant and successful welfare and support programs that RV and the VJA have already established.

“I would urge other state jurisdictions to follow suit and take the opportunity to sponsor their jockeys to help promote the great work the equine welfare programs are doing in our sport,” Hyland said.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au