'Jockeys would be really terrified' - the group born in secrecy and fear that proved riders can do much more than sit on horses

It started in secrecy and fear, an idea shaped at hidden meetings where the speakers would deny any involvement if questioned. Thirty years on, it is a celebrated part of racing's landscape, a reason for toiling jockeys to keep their spirits up and a sign that things are now better than they used to be.

It is Jets, which stands for Jockeys' Education & Training Scheme. It was created to tackle what had become a familiar sadness, that many jockeys had nothing to do when the evil day arrived and they stepped out of the weighing room for the final time.

"It became clear that a lot of jockeys would get to the end of their career really terrified," says Michael Caulfield. He had taken over in 1988 as chief executive of the Jockeys Association of Great Britain, at a time when improvements were desired in several areas. Appointed in the week Strands Of Gold won the Hennessy, Caulfield's initial brief from jumps champion Peter Scudamore had been simple but pressing: "Sort it out!"