Fresh start: Steve Drowne takes on new role as stipendiary steward

Steve Drowne embarks upon a second career in racing on Monday when he joins the BHA as a stipendiary steward.

Drowne, who signed off in style as a jockey when scoring on Met By Moonlight at Lingfield in the last Flat race of 2017, joins a team of 16 which includes several former weighing-room colleagues plus others from the world of jump racing.

The 46-year-old, who enjoyed six Group 1 wins among a career total of more than 1,400, is looking forward to the new challenge and said: "I'm delighted to accept the position of stipendiary steward after spending 27 years as a jockey.

"I was very keen to use that experience in another sphere of the racing industry and have a second career rather than just a second job.

"At my age there aren't too many options in racing and I didn't want to go down the professional work-rider or assistant trainer route, so I approached the BHA last summer to see if there might be something like this going.

"Although I'm a bit apprehensive, that's simply because I've spent so long riding and this will be new to me. I'm hoping all my experience will stand me in good stead."

Steve Drowne celebrates success on Met By Moonlight, his final rideCredit: John Hoy

Drowne starts on Monday at BHA headquarters in High Holborn, London and is likely to spend the best part of a year in training, mainly on the racecourse, learning not just the stipendiary stewards' role but also that of other officials such as the clerk of the scales and the judge, in case he is required as back-up.

Jamie Stier, the BHA's chief regulatory officer, is "delighted" to have Drowne on board a team that also includes fellow former Flat jockeys Chris Rutter and Tony McGlone, as well as Robert Earnshaw and Adie Smith from the jumps.

He said: "Steve becomes the latest in a succession of top-class riders to make the move to stewarding and I'm sure his years of experience of riding at the highest level will be an invaluable addition to the BHA."

Nigel Payne, chairman of the Professional Jockeys Association, of which Drowne was a valued official for many years, added: "We'd like to wish Steve every possible success in his new career. He's had wonderful years in the saddle and is greatly respected by his colleagues in the weighing room. We're certain he'll be equally as successful as a stipendiary steward.

"Steve has served on the PJA's council since 2001 and in 2008 was appointed joint-president. His contribution and work on behalf of his fellow jockeys has been invaluable and we thank him warmly for that."

If you are interested in this, you should read:

Steve Drowne signs off in style at Lingfield with victory on his final ride

Steve Drowne lists the horses who mean the most to him

Steve Drowne: secrets of the saddle

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