How the IJF led me to Jonathan Haynes – and enabled him to prioritize horses in his life

The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) has been in existence for 60 years, and this year, it should be acknowledged for its support of Haynes, who has benefited greatly from it. My initial connection with Haynes was through another jump jockey, Jimmy Harris, based in the Midlands, who suffered a back injury at the age of 36 in 1971. I began visiting Harris during his 22-week recovery at the specialist spinal unit at Lodge Moor hospital in Sheffield.

This visitation was at the behest of Brough Scott, who was heavily involved with the IJF and asked for my assistance, despite my recent joining of the Daily Telegraph and commuting from Doncaster. After his recovery, Harris moved to Melton Mowbray stables, which were specially adapted with help from the IJF. Throughout his career, Haynes managed to secure early wins for Burrough Hill Lad and set a seasonal record by winning nine handicaps with Vindaloo.