Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA)

The Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) has developed a close working relationship with Racing Victoria and in particular, Racing Victoria's Jockey Wellbeing and Safety Officer, Ron Hall.

To join the Victorian Jockeys Association please contact Mr Matthew Hyland on 0408 753 951.

For more information visit the Australian Jockeys Association website here.

Contact the VJA

Responsibilities of the VJA
  • Negotiating that the Industry provides funding for Public Liability insurance cover for Jockeys (and Apprentices).
  • Negotiating that the Industry provides funding for Death and Personal Accident cover for Jockeys (and Apprentices) .
  • Negotiating Riding fees and Official Trial riding fees for Jockeys (and Apprentices).
  • Negotiating the payment of Superannuation on riding fees and official trial fees.
  • Establishment of the VJA Jockeys Voluntary Savings Investment Fund.
  • Maintaining an extremely close working relationship with the Jockey Assistance Program counselor Lisa Stevens.
  • Maintaining an extremely close working relationship with RV’s Medical Officer, Dr Gary Zimmerman
  • Input into vest and skull cap research and development.
  • The review of careless riding interpretations by RVL Stewards.
  • Procedures to be followed after an injury occurs to a rider.
  • Procedures to be followed when a race day track inspection is required.
  • Discussions concerning the weight scale for races run in Victoria.
  • Establishing the introduction of guaranteed minimum standards for facilities in male and female jockeys’ rooms throughout the state.
  • On-going review of field safety limits at all courses.
  • On-going review of the safety of barrier stalls used throughout the state.
  • Development of minimum standard for drink and food for riders at ALL courses.
  • Establishment of Apprentice riding review panel and the Rider Skills panel.
  • Establishment of Apprentices Jockey Coaches to mentor and support apprentice jockeys.
  • Epworth Hospital is to be used as the hospital of choice in the case of Metropolitan race falls that are not considered "time critical".
  • The introduction of a Career Transition Program for riders recently retired, approaching retirement or otherwise likely to be forced from the industry due to injury or other issues such as increased weight.