Countless figures have voiced their support for Freddy Tylicki–who, it was announced on Friday, is paralysed from the waist down after a horrific fall at Kempton on Monday–and many have also shown their support by donating to a Go Fund Me account. By Saturday evening, after being active for 17 hours, the account had already raised over £78,000, well past its £20,000 target.
The 30-year-old Tylicki, who was champion apprentice in 2009, had enjoyed a banner year in 2016, winning his first Group 1 aboard Speedy Boarding (GB) (Shamardal) in the G1 Prix Jean Romanet in August and following up on that mare in the G1 Prix de l'Opera last month. Speedy Boarding's owner-breeder Mark Weinfeld said, “He's always ridden well for us, but those two races in France this year were very, very good tactical rides. We had great days with him. He's a great man.”
Rod Millman, who employed Tylicki more than any other trainer this year, said, “He was a professional jockey, is good fun, and looked after the horses so brilliantly. This was the news we were dreading all week and the whole yard is devastated. He does, though, have great spirit and I'm sure that will see him through.”
Tylicki rode 20 winners for Saeed bin Suroor over the past few years, and that trainer added, “He was a very good jockey and is a very polite, well-mannered man. He had a great style and a good way for horses.”
Tylicki spent 3 1/2 years at the yard of trainer Jim Bolger, who said, “I remember Freddy as being a great worker and he was so determined to get to where he wanted to be. We were thrilled to see him become champion apprentice and hope he can get through this terrible adversity.”
The Professional Jockeys Association's Executive Director Dale Gibson told At The Races the organization will give Tylicki, “as much support as we possibly can.”
“He was a genuinely likeable and popular figure in the weighing room,” said Gibson. “We're just hoping his positivity and that strong-willed character can continue for the weeks and months ahead.”
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