New 'Jockey Matters' Films Focus on Importance of Life Away from Racing
A new set of three short ‘Jockey Matters’ films focusing on personal development and what jockeys are doing to prepare for the future have been released today.
Produced by JETS and featuring a number of Flat and Jump jockeys, the films entitled ‘More Than A Jockey’ aim to show jockeys the importance of developing interests away from racing and preparing for the future and also give an insight into what jockeys are like off the track and the skills they have developed to help them in their career.
JETS Manager Lisa Delany said:
“Across professional sport, athletes are ensuring that they are developing in all areas of their lives and not solely focusing on their sporting career. Jockeys are the same and, with such a high risk sport meaning that the end of their riding career can come at any time, it is extremely important that jockeys engage with JETS to either carry out training or development or just seek advice. We firmly believe that being a happy and well-rounded person outside racing makes not only a better jockey but creates better opportunities for life post riding.”
JETS have reported a record number of training applications so far in 2021, and last year many jockeys used lockdown as an opportunity to research other careers and undertake training. Some examples highlighted in the film include Bryan Carver who did a bookkeeping and accounting course during lockdown and Jerry McGrath who is doing some breeding courses during his injury rehabilitation.
Tom Scudamore who features in the film and has carried out various courses over the years courtesy of JETS, said:
“We are so lucky to have a world class support system in place and I think any jockey would be silly not to think ahead to the future and take advantage of the funding, careers advice and support that JETS offers. No matter what stage they are at in their riding careers, I would encourage all jockeys to make time to contact JETS.”
WATCH FILMS:
More Than A Jockey - Off The Track