Finalists Announced for 2024 Richard Davis Awards Hosted by Tom Scudamore
The finalists for the 2024 JETS Richard Davis Awards have been announced today. The winners of these annual career development Awards will be revealed and presented with their trophies at Warwick Racecourse next Tuesday 5th November.
Former Jump Jockey Tom Scudamore will host the Awards presentation prior to racing with the winners in three Award categories being announced in front of invited representatives from across the industry before being presented with their trophies in the parade ring ahead of the JETS Richard Davis Awards Handicap Chase at 3pm.
The Awards, first held in 1997, offer £7000 in prizemoney and celebrate the achievements of both current and former jockeys, with this year’s finalists showcasing the number of different industries jockeys can enjoy careers in beyond the saddle.
The finalists in the three categories are as follows:
BHA Development Award
Fred Daly – Apprentice Jockey
Mia Nicholls – Apprentice Jockey
Elisha Whittington – Apprentice Jockey
IJF Progress Award
Alan Johns - Media
Paula Muir – Dog Grooming
Ryan Timby - NHS
The Jockey Club Achievement Award
Megan Carberry – Physiotherapy
Katie O’Farrell – Psychology
Sam Welton – Civil Engineering
Tom Scudamore, who has carried out various training courses with the support of JETS, said:
“I’m delighted to be hosting the Richard Davis Awards again. I was part of the judging panel this year for the BHA Development Award and it really opened my eyes to all the different areas that today’s jockeys can seek support with their careers. Whether it’s through the Jockey Coaching Programme, Personal Development Grants, bespoke training opportunities or simply getting advice and guidance, jockeys have so many opportunities to develop in so many areas and it’s great that the Richard Davis Awards can honour all the progress they’re making.”
JETS Manager, Lisa Delany, said:
“We probably had the strongest set of entries ever for this year’s Awards. It is very satisfying to see so many current jockeys making use of the support available to them to explore second career paths whilst still riding and we are looking forward to celebrating all their achievements together. We are grateful to our sponsors for enabling us to use these Awards to showcase the wide range of skills jockeys can develop and apply in their second careers.”
The three Richard Davis Award categories are:
The Jockey Club Achievement Award, worth £3,000 to the winner, is designed for those jockeys who have significantly achieved in pursuing their new chosen careers. Two runners-up receive £500 each.
The IJF Progress Award, worth £2,000 to the winner, rewards the early progress of those jockeys who have more recently started out on a new career/training path.
The BHA Development Award, worth £1,000 to the winner, exclusively for currently licensed jockeys who have shown real commitment to their CPD (Continued Personal Development) whilst riding or during injury time out in order to enhance their development as a jockey or to assist with their dual career development.