JETS Scholarship Recipients Making Progress Towards Second Careers in Racing
Scholarship grants have been awarded to two former jockeys Megan Carberry (25) and Tom Broughton (22) who are both hoping to be able to use their experiences as jockeys combined with their academic qualifications to pursue new careers in the racing industry.
Former Flat jockey Megan Carberry started a degree in Sport and Exercise Therapy at York St. John University in September, having been inspired to do the course after receiving treatment for injuries at Jack Berry House. Megan’s interest in the therapies used and the desire to learn more means she is hoping to develop a career that will help others with injury rehabilitation.
Former Conditional with Nick Kent and then Richard Hobson, Tom Broughton has turned his attention to a three year BSc (Hons) Bloodstock & Performance Horse Management course at the Royal Agricultural University. Tom is continuing to ride as an Amateur alongside his studies which he also started in September 2019.
Megan Carberry rode as an Apprentice and then a Conditional for 6 years, riding 39 winners from 300 rides, mainly for Brian Ellison. Commenting on her switch from racing to sports therapy, Megan said, “I have huge respect for everyone in racing but I needed to find a sustainable career for me to pursue in the long-term and I hope that, in my new career, I can get the same sense of achievement that riding and winning races provided.
“Unfortunately I sustained many injuries and I often found that during rehab sessions I was able to open up about worries and concerns I had about my future and I hope that in due course, I could be there to support others thinking about their future and be a good example of what is achievable with hard work and dedication.”
Speaking about his choice of career, Tom said, “My long term ambition is to set up as a racehorse trainer so I was looking for a course that would offer me new knowledge, experience and skills in areas that I have not yet been involved in and will give me a great foundation from which to build a successful career.”
Clearly passionate about racing, Tom is complementing his studies by working for a local owner/breeder to help prepare horses for the sales and plans to continue to gain experience with both Flat and Jump trainers in the UK and abroad.
JETS awards scholarships on an annual basis and the progress of recipients is reviewed after each academic year. JETS Manager, Lisa Delany said, “The Scholarships Awards panel were delighted to award these two candidates who have show great motivation and purpose of direction towards their second careers. We love to support former jockeys who are hoping to return to the industry in new roles that will benefit others and keep the racing industry thriving.”
For more information about Scholarship applications, please contact Lisa Delany (lisa@jets-uk.org)