'Helping to save lives' - former jockey turned firefighter proud of award win

Former Flat jockey turned London firefighter Kylie Manser-Baines landed the top prize at the Richard Davis Awards on Thursday.

Manser-Baines, who retired from riding in 2011, was rewarded for her success in her second career with £3,000 and the Jockey Club Achievement Award by the Jockeys Education & Training Scheme (Jets).

The charity helped her application to the London Fire Brigade, a role she combines with a successful racehorse rehoming business in Kent.

'I was never going to be the next Hayley Turner'

"The work I do as a firefighter is extremely diverse and I like that no day is the same," said Manser-Baines. "The coronavirus pandemic has added another aspect to what is already a demanding job.

"The biggest challenge for me before I retired was admitting that I needed to transition from being a jockey. I was always too heavy and unfortunately I was never going to be the next Hayley Turner.

"I was used to working unsociable hours but the skill that has really helped in my second careers is the ability to work as part of a team. Jockeys are out to win but you have to work as a team to get on.

"Both of my careers take a lot of effort, initiative and planning to manage successfully but I feel satisfied that I can put something back into racing by retraining racehorses, and I'm also very proud to represent the London Fire Brigade and help to save lives.

"Winning the award means so much to me as it means people have recognised my dedication to both of my second careers."

Burning desire: former jockey Nathan Alison relaunches career as a fireman

Ollie Garner, owner of Cotswold Forage, and John Pritchard, owner of Charbel Blinds, were runners-up and each received a £500 prize.

The IJF Progress Award, which recognises the early strides taken by jockeys in their new careers, was handed to farrier Jordan Vaughan, while apprentice jockey Gaia Boni won the the BHA Current Jockey CPD Award, marking her commitment to her personal development.

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