Building a career: former conditional jockey Sam Welton wins top prize at Richard Davis Awards

Former conditional jockey Sam Welton has been recognised for his remarkable career transformation to qualified civil engineer at the 2024 Richard Davis Awards. 

Current riders Alan Johns and Elisha Whittington also claimed prizes at the annual awards, which were presented at Warwick racecourse on Tuesday and which highlight the achievements of those that have benefited from the Jockeys Education and Training Scheme (Jets).

Welton, who won the Jockey Club Achievement award, rode five winners in a career marked by time spent with Charlie Mann, David Pipe and David Barron before embarking on his second career. 

With the assistance of Jets he completed a university access course and then, with financial assistance from a Jets scholarship, went on to graduate last year with a degree in structural and civil engineering. 

"I am very grateful to Jets for all the support they’ve provided me with," said Welton, who is currently a site agent for the construction firm JN Bentley, and who beat physiotherapist Megan Carberry and sports psychologist and Katie O'Farrell to win the Jockey Club Achievement Award.  

Former conditional jockey Sam Welton has won the top prize at the 2024 Jets/Richard Davis awards Credit: JETS

"As well as the financial support they have guided me through times when I’ve struggled personally or with my studies, and so I feel very proud to have secured such a good second career in such a growing sector. I have so many opportunities to develop my career even further and have gained so much advice and guidance from my employers too. 

"I think racing has taught me skills which have really helped me in my second career and winning this award is proof that all the hard work has been worth it.”

Jets general manager Lisa Delaney said: "We are so pleased that Sam has found his ideal career within the construction industry. His journey to this point has not always been easy and he had to juggle working alongside his studies. But we had every confidence that he would be successful and it’s wonderful to see him thriving in his current role. 

"Racing has taught him excellent people skills and a strong work ethic which is clearly a great benefit to him now and we wish him all the best as he continues to develop further.”

The IJF progress award was presented or the first time to a current jockey when Alan Johns earned recognition for his media work. 

Alan Johns has win a JETS/Richard Davis Award for his media workCredit: JETS

Johns began his development journey when completing a jockeys' ambassador course and Jets has subsequently supported him with media and presentation training and even coaching on the use of drones in filming. 

He has become a familiar face in promotional films for the Jockey Club, Great British Racing and his sponsor Dragonbet, as well as starring in a widely lauded film to launch the charity Welsh Jump Jockeys Derby. 

"During my first ten years in racing, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do afterwards," said Johns, who highlighted the advice of the scheme's Phil Kinsella in helping his development. "In the past two years, I’ve found my direction and put tremendous effort into pursuing a career in media. Jets has been pivotal in shaping my progress."

Elisha Whittington received the BHA development award for current jockeys. Whittington has built up a thriving hair-extensions business in parallel to riding for Scott Dixon, as well as making a number of presentations to pupils as part of the Racing to School programme.

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