Rodi Greene and BHA nominated for prestigious honours

Former rider turned jockeys' coach Rodi Greene is in the running for recognition at the prestigious UK Coaching Awards in London next month.

Greene, who retired five years ago after riding more than 350 winners during his 20-year career, is one of 23 BHA jockey coaches. He mentors 2015 champion apprentice Tom Marquand and leading conditional rider Lizzie Kelly, the first female rider to win a Grade 1 race in Britain.

Greene has been nominated for the performance development coach of the year award and is up against diving's Jen Leeming and sailing's Martin Boatman.

The BHA has been nominated in the governing body of the year category along with their counterparts in cycling and weightlifting.

Greene, who is responsible for mentoring 30 young jockeys and won the 2002 Lester for ride of the year when with trainer Martin Pipe, said: "I have gained great pleasure from developing and supporting newly licensed and aspiring jockeys. My experience as a professional jockey has enabled me to understand the challenges these sportsmen and women face. I get real satisfaction from seeing one of my jockeys succeed and riding a well-executed race.”

Greene's pupil Marquand said: “Rodi helped me so much especially as I was doing everything for the first time. Everyone else just saw the winners but Rodi was there for me when I was struggling with the pressure. I'd speak to him every day and to have someone who would put things into perspective for me and who I respected because they’d once been in my shoes, was invaluable.”

The awards take place at the Holiday Inn, Wembley, on 29 November.