Newmarket jockey-turned-farrier wins top prize at 25th Jets awards

Former Newmarket jockey-turned-farrier Jordan Vaughan has been awarded the top gong at the Jets Richard Davis awards.

After a four-year apprenticeship at Warwickshire College, in which he juggled his studies with riding out for some of Newmarket’s top yards, Vaughan is now a fully qualified farrier based with O’Shaughnessy Farriery in Newmarket.

The £3,000 Jockey Club Achievement award recognises Vaughan’s dedication and commitment to his second career following his retirement from competitive racing in 2017.

Vaughan said: "I’m so proud to have won this award, all the evenings spent studying, taking part in competitions and practising in the forge have been worth it.

"I know for a fact I wouldn’t be here without Jets, who have helped fund my courses and make this positive change to my life.”

The winners, including Vaughan, were announced on Racing TV on Wednesday and will receive their trophies at a special presentation at Cheltenham on Friday.

Lisa Delany, the manager of Jets, said: “It’s really satisfying, especially in this 25th anniversary year, to see a former jockey who’s now back working within the racing industry and thriving in his second career.”

Jets first hosted the Richard Davis Awards in 1997 to commemorate the former jockey who had started planning for his future before tragically losing his life in a racing accident in 1996.

The annual awards ceremony highlights the career development of former and current jockeys, showcasing the services provided by Jets to help jockeys look to the future and ensure a successful transition to life out of the saddle.

Other winners this year include former amateur jockey Ryan Withey, who won the £2,000 IJF Progress award.

Withey was forced to re-evaluate his future after a serious foot injury, and through the support of Jets and the Injured Jockeys Fund he has pursued a second career in equine dentistry.

The £1,000 BHA Development award for current jockeys was won by conditional Thomas Willmott. The young rider was recognised for his progress after he partnered a career-best 17 winners last season.

Read this next:

Honeysuckle, De Bromhead and Blackmore feature in 2022 HRI award nominations

If you are concerned about your gambling and are worried you may have a problem, click here to find advice on how you can receive help