Champion apprentice Gordon features in second 'Jockey Matters' series

Champion apprentice Josephine Gordon is one of the stars of the second series of the acclaimed 'Jockey Matters' films which have aired this week, a year on from the launch of the hugely successful first series.

The films, produced by Jets (Jockeys Education & Training Scheme), were initially aimed at jockeys but have reached a wider audience, proving an important educational resource while highlighting the important support network available to British riders.

The new series, which includes contributions from Gordon and champion conditional Harry Cobden, focuses on three key aspects of jockey development and covers the full journey a rider goes through from when they first enter the racing industry.

That journey starts with 'Jockey Coaching', moves on to 'Personal Development' as they progress through their career, and finally how they face their future beyond riding and focus on 'Career Transition'.

There are two further films planned, for which the themes are concussion and mental resilience.

The 'Jockey Coaching' and 'Personal Development' films were shown for the first time at the BHA 5lb claiming jockeys seminar at Jack Berry House in Malton on Wednesday, when they were said to have received a positive response from the riders.

BHA vocational training manager Gill Greeves said: “The BHA jockey coaching programme has made great strides since its inception in 2011, and we are delighted with the progress our young jockeys are making thanks to the input from the fantastic team of jockey coaches we have on board.

"Eventually we would like to see coaches being used throughout a jockey’s career, as enjoyed by athletes in other sports.”

Jets manager Lisa Delany said: “We encourage as many jockeys to watch these films as possible. The support is there and it’s important for jockeys to embrace it as this will help them be the very best they can be – not only in their riding careers but in their lives outside of racing.”

Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Struthers added: “With over 65,000 views on YouTube and having received incredibly positive feedback from our members and others, the first series of Jockey Matters videos have been an undoubted success.

"We’re confident this latest series will continue to play an important role in raising awareness of it."

See more on the Jockeys Matters series here