The Jockeys Association of India was formed during the year 1971, and duly registered under Mysore Societies Registration Act 1960 vide Sl.No. 138/71-72.

The main objective to form this Association was to maintain the highest standards of honor, integrity and courtesy among the jockeys. For decades, without any support from the Turf Clubs, the jockeys found it difficult to look into the problems that confronted them. Holding licenses from the Club themselves, the Professionals were afraid of forcing the issues related to the jockeys as the authorities wielded unlimited powers that could be used to silent any dissent. Hence to SUPPORT and PROTECT the character, status and interest generally of the jockey’s profession the Association came into existence.

The visiting foreign jockeys enjoyed far greater respect than the Indian jockeys. Licenses could be refused at the whims and fancies of the respective Turf Clubs without assigning any reason. There was no principle of reciprocity adopted by the Turf Clubs except in the case of punishments. The Authorities were also not willing to concede ground easily. Syces had a union, Trainers had an Association, but the jockeys were denied that luxury. There were many discriminatory practices adopted by the Turf Clubs in the Country. Things have changed and The Jockeys Association of India was thus born to enable the Professionals to fights for their just cause. The first attempt made by the jockeys at Kolkata was nipped in the bud. Two attempts later the Association got a formal shape at the beginning of the 1970’s.

The first general meeting of the Jockeys Association of India was held on 20th July 1972 chaired by the founder president Late Mr. M A Chidambaram,noted lawyer Mr.Francis D’Sousa as the Secretary and Blood Stock Breeder Mr. R M Reddy as the Honorable Treasurer, years before The Jockeys Association of India was formally recognized. Initially there were 104 members in the Association.

Members elected during the 1st General Body

President - Mr. M.A. CHIDAMBARAM – Ex- Chairman – Madras Race Club India’s Leading Industrialist

Horse Owner

Vice –Presidents : Mr. P. R. KHADE – Indian (Jockey)

Mr. J. H. FOLEY – Australian (Jockey)

Mr. B. T. DUFFY – Irish (Jockey)

Treasurer : Mr. R .M. REDDY – Ex- Stipendiary Steward/handicapper

Stud farm owner/breeder

Secretary : Mr. F .A D’SOUZA – Advocate

We conduct Annual General Meeting where members from all over India participate and discuss the progress and solutions to any problems arising through the year. The Annual Balance Sheet is also presented and passed by the members. The Managing Committee consisting of A President, A Treasurer and Vice-Presidents is elected through the process of voting. We also elect minimum of three Council Members for each center during the General Body meeting. The elected Council Members will be assisting the jockey concerned of their chapter in to solving the grievances.

During the year 1996 JAI celebrated its Silver Jubilee in a grand manner. JAI is a registered body having it registered office presently functioning at Door No. 27, 2nd Floor, “Panchajanya”, Srikantan Layout, Crescent Road Cross, High Grounds, Bangalore – 560 001. Our Telephone Nos. are 080 22371271, 22371272, & 41261689. Mobile : +91-9739005559

E-mail Id: jockeys@airtelmail.in , info@tjai.in

Web Site: www.tjai.in