Phil Dennis retired from riding in July 2024 aged 28 after eleven years in the saddle which started as an Amateur over Jumps before turning to an Apprentice.  He’d had 3,500 rides and 278 winners with his biggest win coming in the Epsom Dash aboard Ornate trained by David Griffiths in 2019.   As he started struggling with his weight, he started to look at second career options, applying for a Starter role based in the Midlands with the BHA which he began in September.

What made you decide to stop riding?

It was mainly down to not being able to do weights.  It wasn’t an overnight thing, it probably started during COVID and not riding for a period.  This year, my bottom weight was 9st2lb and it was always a struggle.  I thought in my head whilst I’m still getting plenty of rides, and winners, I’d like to go out on my terms.  I finished on a Tuesday and the Saturday before had a full card of rides and had ridden a Group 2 Arab race the week before. 

How have you found the career transition from riding to finding a second career? 

I’d been browsing the job boards in racing for a while and I saw the advert for the BHA starter role in June.  I didn’t think there was any harm in applying, it might not come to anything but it wouldn’t put me any further back.  Luckily I got the interview and was successful and once I found out I only rode for a week after that.   I was obviously delighted, it’s potentially a job for life and is more sustainable and healthier but it is a bit of a reality hit as all I’d ever wanted was to ride so it was a bit bitter sweet but it meant I could enjoy my last rides, knowing whatever happens it wasn’t going to affect me further down the line whereas before I was always worrying about my future.

 I couldn’t quite bring myself to announce it on the initial day I’d planned but then I decided Beverley would be an apt place to stop, with everyone I wanted there and riding horses for trainers I’d ridden for from the start, it was a suitable fit. 

The first couple of months not riding though have been harder than I thought.  Straight away you forget about all the hard bits, the hot baths, the sweating and I have been trying not to watch horses I’d have been winning on, thinking it could have been me but I have a natural competitiveness and will always miss it, I am bit obsessed.

How has JETS helped you?

I knew with a young family to support, I couldn’t just stop without planning what I was going to do.  Phil was my Jockey Coach and he has been great to talk to, helping me weigh up my options whilst riding and encouraging me to dip my toe in the water and try a few things.  I did some media sessions and it was good to help me think ahead and he encouraged me with my application to the BHA. 

How easy was the interview process?

I’d actually applied for another job a month prior, I didn’t get it but it did me the world of good, as I was able to get practice doing an interview.  I thought I’d be dead relaxed but I came out thinking why didn’t I say this or that and I just wasn’t prepared so that helped me with the next interview for the Starter role which went much better, I was more relaxed and everything flowed and I was able to say what I wanted to say.     I’d definitely advise others to do a mock one to practice and JETS can help with that.  You think they’re just going to talk about racing but it’s actually the last thing, it’s more about your personal skills and I’d not really had to promote myself before,  it’s just been about my riding skills. 

How have you settled in to the new role?

Luckily I could take a bit of time off beforehand so went on holiday, met up with some old friends on a camping trip, things I’d missed and sacrificed before as a jockey and then I could start fresh in the new job.  I’ve really enjoyed being back on the racecourse, seeing old friends and colleagues.  I’m initially only working part time but hopefully there’s scope to get more days.  I’m doing four months of training on the job, with the starters able to observe me and give me advice or step in if needed.  It’s been a good way to learn.

What’s been the most challenging aspect?

As jockeys you think you know what’s going on at the start but it happens a lot slower when you’re on one horse but all of a sudden as a starter, you’re watching twelve, things are happening very fast.  But now I’m finding it’s all slowing down.  I’m also working in a point to point yard a couple of days a week and helping out at home with my one year old daughter.  I actually don’t know what’s harder – keeping an eye on her or a load of horses at the start!

What advice would you give to jockeys riding now?

Use Phil, Lisa and JETS.  I did media training when injured and whenever I was off I tried to do bits and pieces.  Try to ride as long as you can, I feel I got the most out of myself and didn’t stop when it became difficult but talk to people, there’s plenty who can give you advice and it doesn’t mean you have to stop riding just because you’ve asked questions, you can still plan for the future.  I started talking to JETS four years ago, it doesn’t mean your riding career is finished it’s just good to look at your options at the same time.