Psyched up: former jump jockey wins prize for mastering sports degree

Former jump jockey Aodhagan Conlon, who gained first class honours in his psychology degree at Bath University after retiring from the saddle, has won the top £3,000 prize in the annual Jets Richard Davis awards.

He has gone on to get his masters in sports and exercise psychology and is studying for his PhD as well as stage two training with the British Psychology Society.

Conlon, 33, rode 36 winners as a conditional jockey with Rebecca Curtis and Tom George between 2010 and 2014 before deciding he wanted to become a sports psychologist.

"I was never able to have the level of success I wanted as a jockey, but after what will be seven years of training I feel I’m well on my way to achieving my dream of being able to support athletes at an elite level," said Conlon as he received his award at Cheltenham on Sunday.

Former Flat apprentice Eva Moscrop, owner of Cortado Espresso Bar in Newmarket, won the IJF Progress Award along with £2,000.

Moscrop rode for five years until 2016 before injuries and lack of opportunities led to her embarking on a completely new career, opening the coffee shop on Newmarket High Street in September 2018.

Conditional jockey Aiden Blakemore won the BHA Current Jockey CPD Award, which recognises licensed jockeys who are developing themselves in all areas.

As well as riding eight winners, Blakemore has worked hard to improve with his jockey coach Kim Tinkler and has a proactive approach to personal development. He has completed a NVQ level 3 in racehorse management and level 1 coaching qualification.

The annual awards highlight the career development of former and current jockeys and showcase the services provided by Jets to help jockeys prepare for their futures.

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