Plans for jockeys’ rehabilitation centre go on show (From Gazette & Herald)

Plans for jockeys’rehabilitation centre in Malton go on show

11:46am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News By Karen Darley

A PUBLIC exhibition is being held this week for local people to find out more about the proposals for a multi-million pound rehabilitation centre in Malton.

The Injured Jockey Fund (IJF) is aiming to build a second facility in the north of the UK, with former trainer Jack Berry, vice-president of the charity, spearheading the campaign.

A planning application is shortly to be submitted for the centre on land adjacent to the rugby club between Malton and Old Malton.

Lisa Hancock, chief executive of the IJF, said the exhibition was an opportunity for residents to come and see the plans and what they were hoping to achieve.

“We will have a visual display and myself, along with trustee John Fairley and Jack Berry will be there to answer questions,” she said.

“There has been a really positive reaction to the centre and the racing community is massively behind the project and are desperate to see it up and running as soon as possible.”

Lisa said their aim was to create a centre of sporting excellence which would focus on fitness and rehabilitation across all sports as well as the racing industry.

“From our experiences at Oaksey House, the more varied injuries that are seen the more experience our consultants and staff gain to deal with these injuries,” she said.

“We want Jack Berry House to be of wider benefit and being adjacent to the rugby and cricket clubs it is in the perfect location.”

Lisa said the facility would also have an economic impact on the local area by offering employment for a variety of skills including multi-tradesmen and admin people as well as medical staff.

“This is a really exciting developing and we hope local people will buy into our plans and support them,” she added.

The public exhibition will be held at The Yard, Market Place, Malton, on Friday, 4pm-7pm and Saturday, 10am-1pm.