Inspirational war veteran and amateur jockey Guy Disney awarded MBE

Captain Guy Disney added another chapter to his inspirational life story after the pioneering amateur jockey was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year’s Honours List.

A veteran of the Afghanistan war, Disney, 37, overcame the amputation of his lower right leg in 2009 to become the first jockey to ride in a race with a prosthetic limb at Sandown in 2015, before going on to land a first victory back at the course two years later.

Disney received his honour for his services to horseracing, charity and polar expedition having also taken part in treks to the north and south pole alongside teams that included Prince Harry as part of an expedition for the Walking For The Wounded veterans’ charity.

However, an honour was the last thing on Disney’s mind when finding an envelope at his home.

“I work abroad and I’d just come back from Zimbabwe to find the letter and thought it was a court summons and that I was in trouble! It was such a shock and an honour to get it," he said.

“I’ve been really lucky since I left the army to do so many things and I suspect if I’d have been given my licence to ride straight away, then I wouldn’t have done some of the other things I have with my life, but I love riding and I’ll do it whenever I get the chance.”

He added: “The leg stuff doesn’t make any difference to me or to why or how I do what I do. I just love being able to compete in a sport I enjoy so much and to have that thrill and excitement of having a winner, which are hard to come by, means so much to me.”

Guy Disney partners Rathlin Rose to victory at Sandown in 2017Credit: Getty Images

Disney was among a number of individuals connected to racing to be honoured with MBEs, including Vivien Currie, the long-serving chief executive of Hamilton, who was recognised for her work in racecourse management, business and charity.

Mike Todd, the former general manager of Down Royal, and David Muir, the RSPCA’s racing consultant, were also made MBEs.

Muir said: “I am extremely humbled by this honour and would like to thank all those who made it possible.”

Top jumps trainers Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson were made OBEs, leading owner Graham Wylie was knighted and the Queen's jumps racing adviser Sir Michael Oswald given the Grand Cross of the (Royal) Victorian Order.

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