'I spent all those years trying to stay out of ambulances' - former jockey wins Jets award after big career change

Thomas Brown was a winner at the races once more on Tuesday when the former jockey received the main prize at the annual Richard Davis Awards, presented by Jets (Jockeys Education & Training Scheme) during racing at Warwick. 

Brown won the Jockey Club Achievement Award and prize-money of £3,000 for his successful transition to a new career as an ambulance worker with the East of England Ambulance Service.

"It's amazing," said Brown, who rode Educate to win the John Smith's Cup in 2016 but realised a new career was necessary three years ago when a riding-out incident left him with a serious knee injury. 

Of his new job, he added: "It's ironic, after I spent all those years trying to stay out of ambulances . . ."

The Richard Davis Awards are intended to recognise riders who have made significant advances in new careers or in development of additional skills. Members of Davis's family were present at the awards, first handed out in 1997, the year after he was killed by a fall at Southwell.

"Change is hard," said Brown, 33. "I got into racing at 16 and it was all I knew. All my friends and everyone I knew, I'd built up through racing."

He felt the challenge of ambulance work could provide the adrenaline that had been such a valued part of his first career. 

"I love it, I really feel I'm made for it," said Brown. "You'll see things that you've never seen before, and you have to rely on your training and your colleagues. You get only a small amount of information before you turn up, so you're always adapting, always thinking on your feet."

Brown expects to qualify shortly as an emergency medical technician, on his way to becoming a paramedic. He recently passed a new test with flying colours when called upon to assist in delivering a baby.

Two other awards were handed out. Amateur jockey Thomasina Eyston won the IJF Progress Award and conditional rider Conor Rabbitt was given the BHA Development Award.

Eyston, 25, had financial support from Jets while pursuing a master's degree in neuroscience at the University of Exeter, in which she received a distinction. Rabbitt, 23, impressed the judges by broadening his range of skills and setting up his own bloodstock business, CR Bloodstock, which is already enjoying success.

Jets is celebrating its 30th anniversary year and estimates it has helped more than 1,000 current and former jockeys with career advice and training in new skills, and assisted more than 430 individuals in gaining employment after race-riding.

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