Jockeys swap silks for cricket whites in the name of charity

Champion hoop Damien Oliver and his Touchstone Farm Jockeys team-mates will be out for revenge when they take on the ‘Racing All-Stars’ next Monday (20 January) in the eighth annual TAB National Jockeys’ Trust T20 Cricket Match.

The team of All-Stars, which this year includes Michelle Payne, her film star brother Stevie and Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O’Brien, will be aiming to retain the trophy at Williamstown Oval after their victory by 14 runs in 2019.       

But with bragging rights up for grabs and with the likes of the ‘Wizard of the West’, Willie Pike, and the reigning Victorian premiership winner Linda Meech joining Oliver, the jockeys’ competitive nature should ensure a keenly-fought contest. Oliver will captain the jockeys’ team, which will also feature Josh Ledger and Mitch Goring, who both lost their fathers in race falls.   

“Every year this day gets bigger and bigger and it’s become one of our most important events,” said Oliver.

“I know I speak on behalf of my team when I say it’s an honour to play alongside Josh and Mitch as they represent their late fathers, and I’d like to ask everyone to dig deep and show their support for bushfire relief by donating to their favourite player.”

Last year, the match raised more than $130,000 for the National Jockeys’ Trust (NJT), a charitable organisation which provides funding and support to jockeys – and their families – who have suffered serious or fatal injuries in the saddle. This year’s fundraiser will be directed towards organisations providing aid to wildlife and livestock affected by the current bushfire crisis.

As a principle partner, Racing Victoria will sponsor the two prizes presented on the day, the RV Subzero Player of the Match and the RV Drew Morphett Magnificent Moment award.

Subbie, who captured the nation’s hearts when he won the 1992 Melbourne Cup, will be in attendance, whilst RV’s Executive General Manager – Racing, Greg Carpenter, and Chairman of Stewards, Robert Cram, face the difficult task of umpiring.  

Admission is free, and there will be children’s activities, a sausage sizzle, food trucks and a cash bar. Gates open at 12pm, with the game set to start at 1pm.
For more information or to sponsor a player, please visit njtcricket.com.au.

The full list of players and their sponsors is as follows: