JETS has teamed up with colleagues in Ireland to offer female jockeys an opportunity to take part in an online course addressing the personal development challenges faced by female athletes.
The video based training has been developed internationally and empowers young women as they transition into high-level sport and will have bespoke sessions with expert speakers to help them get the most out of the course.
“I think it’s a really positive step that our two jurisdictions are joining together on this project to benefit our female jockey population. It is important that we support more young female jockeys as they forge their careers in racing and we look forward to learning more from the women taking part and tailoring the support that’s on offer to them.”
Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Chief Medical Officer
If you would like to find out more, please contact Rachel Jones
JOCKEY AMBASSADOR TRAINING IN FEBRUARY
Our successful Jockey Ambassador Training programme is set to continue with a one-day workshop at The Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket on Thursday 26th February, focusing on enhancing jockeys’ skills to become more effective ambassadors not just for themselves and their career but for the wider sport. The workshop is open to all jockeys wishing to develop media skills including:
• Creating your own personal brand
• How to make social media work for you
• Social media do’s and don’ts – keeping you safe
• How to interact with different media audiences
• Interview skills training and feedback
Each session will be interactive with media experts from different industries on hand to share their skills and experience to help jockeys maximise their media opportunities Spaces are limited with applications closing on February 1st so please contact Rachel or Phil if you’d like to attend.
“I am extremely grateful to have had this experience and hear from so many experts. The media session in particular was a good insight into what journalists and presenters are looking for and it was great to get feedback on my interviews.”
Sean Kirrane, previous attendee of the Jockey Ambassador training day
JETS SURVEY
We want to make sure we deliver the very best support for both current and former jockeys in their training, development and careers so help us shape what JETS does for you by telling us what’s working, what’s missing and how can we improve. The survey is anonymous but you can choose to include your name and contact details if you’d like us to get in touch with you afterwards. Your feedback is essential.
Scan the code to complete the 5 minute survey.
2025 IN NUMBERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO
Gemma Jones & Conor Ring on passing their LGV training.
Tommy Eyston on graduating with a Distinction in MSc Neuroscience. Josh Crane on becoming a
Leanne Kershaw on gaining her Level 3 certificate in Dog Grooming.
NEW FRIENDS OF JETS
JETS is delighted that JPAS Contracting has recently joined the Friends of JETS scheme which provides a formal network of businesses willing to provide career support to jockeys across different sectors. Based in the Cheltenham region, JPAS are experts in commercial arboriculture, with a primary focus on vegetation management around electrical
infrastructure.Tree surgery and landscaping have been popular second career choices for jockeys so anyone who would like to be put in touch with JPAS Contracting to discuss possible career paths or work placements, please contact JETS Manager Rachel Jones.
Over the years we have seen quite a few former jockeys go on to work in tree surgery and other horticultural and landscaping roles with JETS funding a number of jockeys to do tree felling and chainsaw training courses so we see this relationship with JPAS as a really good synergy between an employer and potential employees from the jockey community.
-RACHEL JONES
RICHARD DAVIS AWARDS 2025
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2025 Richard Davis Awards which took place at Warwick Racecourse on Tuesday 4th November. Presented by Tom Scudamore, the quality of entries was extremely high with a range of career achievements being recognised across a range of sectors from equine dentistry and bloodstock to aviation, accountancy and the ambulance service.
WINNERS
The Jockey Achievement Award: Thomas Brown
From winning the John Smith’s Cup in 2016 to picking up a £3000 cheque for our top award recognising his career on the paramedic pathway for the East of England Ambulance Service, Thomas has come a long way in his career Despite not having any medical background, Thomas used JETS to help him gain some shadowing experience on the racecourse before funding some basic first aid training. He has undertaken an intensive training programme and is clearly relishing the high adrenaline role whilst also giving back to the community where he’s from.
I feel I have carried forward the determination, discipline and ability to perform under pressure as a jockey into my second career working for the Ambulance Service. I have had to adapt to a completely new profession, balancing academic study with the demands of long and unpredictable shifts but I’m proud to give back to others and have a positive impact on the community every day.
-THOMAS
IJF Progress Award: Tommy Eyston
Having done an undergraduate degree in Chemistry before starting her riding career, Tommy then suffered a series of injuries which meant she reverted to her Cat B Amateur license so she could return to her studies and last year completed a Master’s degree in Neuroscience at the University of Exeter in which she received a Distinction. She continues to balance her riding whilst also doing a research internship studying ketamine-assisted therapy to treat alcohol misuse. She is hoping that eventually her research will help people suffering with mental health conditions within racing.
BHA Development Award: Conor Rabbitt
Based in North Yorkshire, Conor is a Conditional with Jessica Bedi. He’s ensured he’s used injury time wisely gaining new skills, doing the Jockey Ambassador training and gaining experience in the bloodstock injury. He’s set up his own company CR Bloodstock to build up alongside his riding, maximising his chances of success by taking advantage of the support network around him to improve his nutrition, fitness and technique ensuring he’s performing to his very best in and out of the saddle.
“After having so many injuries, I realised I was fortunate to have an education behind me which means I’ve been able to start on my second career path as a research scientist whilst also continuing to race ride as an Amateur I have to be very organised and disciplined but I find that I am happier when balancing both my riding and my studies.”
The Awards also gave us the opportunity to celebrate the huge progress JETS has made over thirty years with original Directors Andrew Chalk and Dr Michael Caulfield among the guests. They were pictured presenting Warren Greatrex, the winning trainer of the JETS Richard Davis Awards Handicap Chase, with his prize, brother Stephen, JETS General Manager Rachel Jones, and Personal Development Manager Phil Kinsella.
-TOMMY EYSTON
BROWN
THOMAS BROWN, TOMMY EYSTON & CONOR RABBITT COLLECTING THEIR 2025 RICHARD DAVIS AWARDS
GETTING TO KNOW... RACHEL JONES
Rachel Jones joined JETS as General Manager in September. We thought we’d find out a little more about her background, how she’s finding the role and what she considers to be the key priorities for JETS.
WHY DID YOU APPLY FOR THE JETS ROLE?
My career has always centred on learning and development, but racing has been a passion since university, when I worked for a local trainer and completed the BHA’s Development Programme. This role felt like the perfect chance to bring together my professional skills and personal love of the sport.
WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST SO FAR ABOUT THE ROLE?
Helping people has always mattered to me, and I enjoy how every conversation with a jockey is unique. The challenge of finding the right support for each individual is something I find really rewarding.
WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU MOST?
Attending the Richard Davis Awards was eye-opening - the finalists were involved in such a wide range of careers, from equine dentistry and bloodstock work to neuroscience, paramedicine, and even piloting. It showed me just how diverse jockeys’ paths can be.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST THING ABOUT JETS?
The fact that JETS has supported over 1,200 jockeys is incredible. What I value most is that support is available at any stage—whether someone is just starting out or planning for life beyond the saddle. It’s about encouraging that forward-thinking mindset early on.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR JETS?
Time! Jockeys often tell us they feel too busy to focus on their professional development, which is something I’d love to change, but isn’t unique to racing. Making our services flexible and easy to access, while working with the wider industry to remove any barriers that might stand in the way, is a key priority.
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN PRIORITIES FOR 2026?
To keep building on what works—supporting jockeys throughout their careers, listening to feedback, and improving where needed. I’m also keen to strengthen partnerships across the industry so we can provide the best possible support from day one, including skills outside the saddle.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF FROM WORK?
I’m a mum of two boys (and a Labrador!) so weekends are full of football, swimming, and walks. Life is busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I do get some time to myself, I love going racing or enjoying a good book.
IN TOUCH!
Rachel with previous JETS managers Lisa Delany and Dana Mellor at the Richard Davis Awards 2025
Rachel Jones (JETS General Manager and Jockey PDM) 07398 011364 rachel@jets-uk.org
DO YOU HAVE A MANTRA OR MOTTO THAT YOU LIVE BY?
“People will never forget how you made them feel.” That quote has always resonated with me because it reflects my values. In coaching and in life, being present, listening, and supporting others can make the biggest difference.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF CAREER ADVICE THAT HAS REALLY RESONATED WITH YOU?
Stay curious. No one has all the answers, and even the most experienced professionals need to keep learning. You have nothing to lose by developing a new skill, so stay curious, keep asking questions, and never stop learning.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE JOCKEYS’ BIGGEST STRENGTHS?
Where do I start?! Jockeys have so many transferable skillsdiscipline, resilience, and the ability to perform and make split-second decisions under pressure – qualities that are valuable in any profession. I only wish more jockeys recognised this, rather than saying “I can only ride horses,” because in reality, they bring a wealth of strengths that can open doors across many different fields.
COME AND SEE US!
On Mondays at Oaksey House and Jack Berry House, Rachel and Phil will be available for drop in consultations for any jockeys with career queries.
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Phil Kinsella (Jockey PDM) 07970 673351 phil@jets-uk.org
Kate Struthers (PR & Marketing) 07980 661003 kate@jets-uk.org
