JETS Richard Davis Award winners for 2024 revealed

The winners of the 2024 JETS Richard Davis Awards were announced before racing at Warwick on Tuesday.

Sam Welton scooped The Jockey Club Achievement Award, while Elisha Whittington won the BHA Development Award, with Alan Johns taking the IJF Progress Award.

The Awards, first held in 1997, 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 Jockey Club Achievement Award, worth £3,000 to Welton, 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. 

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.”

Megan Carberry – Physiotherapy

Katie O’Farrell – Psychology

WINNER: Sam Welton – Civil Engineering

Fred Daly – Apprentice Jockey

Mia Nicholls – Apprentice Jockey

WINNER: Elisha Whittington – Apprentice Jockey

WINNER:  Alan Johns - Media

Paula Muir – Dog Grooming

Ryan Timby - NHS

Former Jump Jockey Tom Scudamore  hosted the Awards presentation before racing with the winners  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.

Scudamore, who has carried out various training courses with the support of JETS, said:  “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.”