Dismay over injured jockey's WorkCover settlement

CRIPPLED jockey Darryl Johnston yesterday would not comment on a Queensland WorkCover offer that will see him left with only $10,000.

Johnston said on legal advice he preferred not to comment but racing officials around the country are dismayed by the settlement.
Johnston, 24, became a paraplegic after a fall at Rockhampton races on December 29 last year and his payout will be $125,000 from WorkCover.
Under the agreement, hospital bills of more than $90,000 will be deducted and Johnston has had to pay for his wheelchair and vehicle modification leaving him with about $10,000.
Johnston wants to pursue a career as a horse trainer and hopes to set up business in Mackay when the new season starts on August 1.
Regarded as a top-class rider in north Queensland, Johnston was a heavyweight jockey and his partner is apprentice Trinity Bannon.
Victorian Jockeys Association executive officer Des O'Keeffe said it was a disaster for Johnson and he would have received double the amount for the same accident in Victoria.
"I have spoken to Darryl and what do you say? It is a disaster for him," O'Keeffe 0said.
"Unfortunately it is not a unique case in Australia."
O'Keeffe said the maximum payout for serious injury in Victoria was $250,000 from WorkCover and riders were required to match that amount in personal injury insurance.
Queensland Racing executive Malcolm Tuttle said the $125,000 cap on serious injury was a policy jockeys had agreed was adequate. Tuttle said QR was having talks with WorkCover to see whether any further payment could be made for Johnston.
"We expect to know in about a week," Tuttle said.
"The cap for serious injury in Queensland is $125,000 and we are in discussions with them."
Tuttle said QR paid $1.4 million shortfall in WorkCover insurance annually and any increase would see that figure rise. Jockeys pay a $4 a ride for personal cover and an additional $6.40 for public liability.
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