The annual National Jockeys’ Trust charity cricket match has again proven a success, with this year’s event raising more than $100,000 for wildlife and livestock affected by the bushfire crisis.
Some of the stars of Australian racing swapped the racecourse for the cricket field in Monday’s eighth annual NJT T20 which was held in testing conditions in Melbourne at Williamstown Oval.
The Jockeys’ team was victorious over the Racing All-Stars.
The Damien Oliver-led Jockeys’ team, which included a number of high-profile riders from around the country, batted first and posted a total of 176 with leading picnic jockey Shaun Cooper scoring 22 (retired) while Oliver scored 20 (retired).
The Racing All-Stars, captained by former Australian cricketer Bryce McGain and including Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O’Brien and a number of racing media personalities, scored 129 in response.
The match is usually one of the main fundraisers for the National Jockeys Trust to help jockeys and their families in times of need.
This year the proceeds will instead go to bushfire relief with Wildlife Victoria, WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (NSW), Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park (SA) and Wildlife Rescue Queensland the nominated charities.
Donations are open until January 27, with a final fundraising total to be announced after that date.