Graham Lee given unique recognition as he becomes the first jockey to win two Lesters Awards

Graham Lee was doubly recognised at Sunday night's Lesters Awards in association with World Pool when becoming the first jockey to receive both the Flat and jumps special recognition awards

A Grand National winner on Amberleigh House in 2004, Lee went on to enjoy a hugely successful career on the Flat, the highlight of which was his 2015 Gold Cup victory at Ascot aboard Trip To Paris.

Lee suffered life-altering injuries in a fall at Newcastle last November and was presented with a silver Lester's trophy – normally reserved for the winners of the Flat and jumps jockeys of the year – during the ceremony at Newbury racecourse. 

Oisin Murphy regained his title as champion jockey in 2024 and was crowned Flat jockey of the year. It was an accolade he also received in 2018 and and 2019. 

The Lesters winners (left to right): Joe Anderson, Patrick Wadge, Sean Bowen, Marie Murphy (mother of Oisin), Paul Mulrennan for Graham Lee, David Nolan and Sean D BowenCredit: Dan Abraham

Sean Bowen enjoyed a breakout season in 2023-24 and although injury ultimately derailed him in his battle with Harry Cobden in the race for the title, he was named jump jockey of the year. 

Champion apprentice Sean D Bowen and champion conditional Patrick Wadge claimed the awards in their respective categories, while there was little surprise when Joe Anderson was singled out for jumps ride of the year award for his incredible feat of acrobatics to stay on Transmission at Plumpton last January. It was a performance made all the more remarkable as the pair went on to win. 

David Nolan won the Flat ride of the year for the second time – he first earned recognition back in 2015 – for his rail-hugging steer aboard Garfield Shadow at Chester in May. 

Full list of 2024 Lesters Award winners

JockeyCam Apprentice Jockey of the Year Sean D Bowen

Great British Racing Conditional Jockey of the Year Patrick Wadge

Patrick Wadge with his Champion Conditional Jockey trophy at SandownCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Racing TV Flat Ride of the Year David Nolan

Sky Sports Racing Jump Ride of the Year Joe Anderson

PJA Flat Jockey Special recognition award Graham Lee

RWK Goodman Jump Jockey Special Recognition Award Graham Lee

World Pool Flat Jockey of the Year Oisin Murphy

Champions: Full Gallop Jump Jockey of the Year Sean Bowen

On behalf of World Pool, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's executive director of wagering Michael Fitzsimons said: "We’re extremely proud to support this year’s Lesters Awards and play a part in recognising the achievements of such a talented group of jockeys and would like to congratulate all winners and nominees.

“Highlighting the unique talents of riders who give us all such enjoyment and excitement throughout the season is vital to the continued success of racing, and the Lesters does this incredibly well.

“We now look forward to another big season of World Pool races during the British and Irish Flat season in 2025, where the jockeys are certain to create many more special moments."

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