MCGILLIVRAY GOES INTO BAT FOR BUSHFIRE RELIEF
Matt McGillivray will pad up and represent Queensland in Monday’s annual National Jockeys’ Trust T20 match at Williamstown Oval in Melbourne.
This year’s match sees the Touchstone Farm Jockeys take on the Heritage Finance Racing All Stars, playing for the inaugural David Taggart perpetual trophy.
The Group 1 winning jockey takes over from compatriot Jim Byrne, who was scheduled to play before breaking his leg after a race fall in December last year.
“It’s a bit unfortunate for Jimmy, but I hope I can go down there and make Queensland proud,” Matt McGillivray said.
“I’d like to thank Racing Queensland for allowing me to take over, be my sponsor and send me down to Melbourne.”
The Queenslander will team up with fellow hoops including Damien Oliver, Brenton Avdulla and William Pike to raise funds in providing care and assistance to animals affected by the current bushfire crisis.
National Jockeys Trust CEO Paul Innes made the announcement last week in light of the tragic events taking place down south.
“While we greatly value the contribution that this event makes to the National Jockeys Trust each year, we simply cannot ignore the dire and pressing need to support those organisations working to save the lives of animals injured and at risk during these bushfires,” Innes said.
“We will always need the racing community behind us to continue our work, but at this time we will be redirecting funds to animal welfare organisations operating in fire-impacted states to help rescue and treat injured wildlife and livestock.”
The 28-year-old jockey hasn’t donned the whites for a few years, but that won’t stop him bringing his naturally aggressive style out to the middle.
“I’d rather bat, and when I get out there I’m going to be aggressive,” McGillivray continued.
“I used to play a bit of backyard cricket with my niece and nephews so let’s hope I can put that out there on the field.”
Click here to donate to the National Jockeys Trust fundraiser to support bushfire relief and find out more information about the game.