PAT Smullen is being credited as the driving force behind a move by the Irish Jockeys Association [IJA] to provide critical illness cover for all professional jockeys. Ireland is believed to be the first jurisdiction to introduce this benefit as a group scheme.

Andrew Coonan of the IJA explained: “There has always been a lot of other policies in place for jockeys, covering career-ending injuries and income continuance while injured, for example. We did not have specified illness cover for various reasons, one being finance and another being the fact that it so rarely afflicts anyone, especially professional sportspeople.

“Fortunately Pat had his own personal insurance in place and he was a key driver in making sure we offered this protection to all professionals. We approached Irish Life and thankfully we were able to get a very good deal. The cost will be covered by each jockey’s IJA membership fee.”

The policy covers 42 specific illnesses and jockeys are not required to undergo a medical examination.

Stephen White of Irish Life said: “Pat has been a client of mine for 15 years and he was conscious of the need to have this in place for other jockeys. I got in touch with head office, meetings took place and eventually we got a commitment from Irish Life.”

Coonan added: “We are the only jockeys’ organisation in the world who provide this cover and it is thanks to Pat’s foresight.”