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Well-respected jockey Grant Buckley has raised his hand to help others in need by joining the Racing Mates team as an Ambassador.

Buckley jumped at the opportunity to become part of Racing Mates and lending his ear to those in need.

Grant Buckley (left) with Pat Webster. Image by Bradley Photographers

“There are a lot of pressures out there for everyone in the world - even more so for young riders - and its important that they can reach out to other people for support,” Buckley said.

The Racing Mates peer support initiative was established in 2016 by Racing NSW with the objective of empowering mates to look out for mates.

Research has found that effective support offered from peers and colleagues can aid significantly in coping with stress and difficult situations.

Buckley joins a team of Ambassadors from all different forms of backgrounds which includes well respected racehorse trainers, jockeys owners and other identities.

The program has access to professional counselling and psychological services which continue to assist racing participants that are in need of further support.

Buckley has been point of contact for many young jockeys seeking support which made him a natural fit to become a Racing Mates Ambassador.

“For the last 6 months, particularly, a lot of young riders have been coming up to me asking for help,” Buckley said. “I’m glad to be involved with these sort of things as its quite close to my heart.

“I’ve seen people go through some tough times and it’s a pleasure that I can help people in the industry. My message for everyone in the industry is that it’s OK to talk.”

Lead Ambassador Pat Webster welcomed Buckley’s addition to Racing Mates.

“Grant gains a lot of respect from his fellow riders and has long been a ‘go to’ person for many that have needed to talk to someone,” Webster said. “We are pleased to have Grant on board as a Racing Mates Ambassador.”

Further information about Racing Mates and its Ambassadors can be found online at Racing Mates