Some of the most important work in racing happens quietly, behind the scenes, and the welfare role sits exactly there — steady, understated, and absolutely essential. Racing moves fast, but the work that supports its people is built on something slower and far more enduring. Today, we speak to Nick Gordon, part of the Welfare Liaison Team for the Injured Jockeys Fund, based at Peter O’Sullevan House in Newmarket.
“What does your role as a Welfare Officer entail?”
“Anything from checking in with people who come into the centre to suddenly getting a phone call because someone is in crisis — you can never predict the day. Everything we do is bespoke, so people come to us with a specific problem and together we unpick it. You become a problem‑solver for a huge range of issues: housing, mental health, financial support, or advocating for people who can’t get through to GPs or benefit services. My youngest beneficiary is 16 and my oldest is 94, so the range of people and situations is incredibly broad”.
“How different is it working with jockeys?”
“I think the hardest thing is for people to actually ask for help. People say, “Sorry to bother you.” It’s not a bother at all — that’s what we’re here for.
I’ve had messages saying, “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here,” and that’s a big deal. It’s not something to gloat about, but when you look back, it’s amazing — because when they thought no one was there for them, the Injured Jockeys Fund was. I’d like it if, when someone is struggling, people recognised that and said, “Go and speak to the Injured Jockeys Fund.” If I was to give a message, it would probably be that.
We start interacting with jockeys early on. This week an apprentice licence course started at the British Racing School, and we had them in for lunch on the first day, so you’re building relationships all the time. We’re always here in the background, which helps build trust. It’s about getting people talking so you can understand them better and meet them on their level. People are far more likely to come forward with a problem they’ve been holding on to — it’s difficult to offload to a stranger”.
“How does the mix of generations contribute to the sense of community at the IJF?”
“There’s nothing I like more than seeing retired jockeys enjoying a social occasion and someone younger joining them for a chat. Ultimately, they all got into racing for the same reason: the horse. And when they speak about racing, they’re all captivated by it”.
People often drop in just to have a coffee or read the Racing Post, and that gives us a chance to keep up with them and have those conversations. Today we had an apprentice licence course coming in at the same time as our retired beneficiaries for coffee. Or you might have a jockey sitting with his leg on the ice machine while someone else is waiting to see the physio or go in the hydro pool, and they get chatting. It takes a whole team to create that atmosphere — from the welcome at the door to the private conversations to the ongoing support.
We’ve built a strong sense of community in all our centres. Often, if people are unsure whether they want to speak to us about what’s going on, it only takes a visit here for them to suddenly feel at ease — and that’s what the centre offers: a safe space. No one disappears from the spotlight. Using the centres means you’re part of that community. It’s a life membership, if you like”.
“What makes the IJF community such a special environment?”
“The Injured Jockeys Fund has done, and continues to do, amazing things for people. We offer world‑class service and facilities. We’ve got incredible knowledge and skills within our team to keep driving forward.
If you could bottle the feeling you get from those beneficiary holidays, you’d be very wealthy. You see cross‑generational conversations — someone in their 40s chatting to someone in their 80s — all talking about racing. Two years ago, we had two men who recognised each other; they had worked together in their late 20s, and now they’re in their 70s, picking up exactly where they left off. That feeling, while people are reminiscing, is incredible. We’re very lucky to be able to create that”.
To understand the impact of Nick’s work, Ray Sheppard — someone he has helped through an incredibly difficult time — shared his story.
RS: “It was a time when I was, quite honestly, completely lost. About four years ago, my son was hit by a car in a hit‑and‑run and was put into a coma, and I didn’t know which way to turn. I’d had an accident at work and needed a foot operation, and as I was going down for surgery, I remember thinking, ‘I hope I don’t come out of this.’ That’s how dark it was. Someone told me to call the Injured Jockeys Fund, and that changed everything.
The Injured Jockeys Fund has been a wonderful place for me. I can talk to Nick about anything.
Now that I’m back on my feet, I try to look out for others. If I see anyone struggling, I’ll go straight to them and say, ‘This is a great place. If you’ve got any problems, open up. Don’t bottle it up. You’re not on your own.
That last holiday was the highlight of my year. When I come up here, I feel good about myself. It’s made a huge difference to my life”.
Georgia Cox speaking to Nick Gordon and Ray Sheppard for this month’s IJF Newsletter.
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