Tom Scudamore, IJF Trustee, presents the latest JETS award winners; Thomas Brown, Tommy Easton and Conor Rabbitt, alongside Rachel Jones. |
Today we’re turning the spotlight on JETS — the Jockeys Education and Training Scheme — a charity the Injured Jockeys Fund has supported from the very start when it was launched in 1995. The IJF has Invested more than £1.25 million over the past 15 years to ensure that help doesn’t stop when the riding does. It’s the quiet, vital work that steadies jockeys when the noise of the racecourse fades, giving them the skills, confidence and direction to take the next step with purpose. I’m joined by Rachel from JETS and Siobhan from the IJF, two people who’ve stood beside riders at those crossroads, to show exactly what your generosity makes possible. Georgia Cox spoke to Rachel Jones, JETS General Manager for this months IJF Newsletter. “Rachel, you stepped into this role late last year, coming from a utilities background into a world where riders often define themselves entirely by the saddle. How different has it been working with people at such a pivotal point in their lives?”. “Yes, it’s a big change. For the past 12 years my background has been in learning and development in the gas industry, supporting a wide range of roles and helping people with very different career paths and aspirations. So although it was a completely different sector, the heart of the work was the same: understanding people and what they need to move forward. I’m also a trained coach, so creating space for someone to feel properly listened to is really important to me. Jockeys come from such a fast‑paced world, and when they sit down with me, I want them to feel they can put everything on the table. Then we can shape something together that feels tailored, relevant and respectful of their experience. And although I’ve come from another industry, I’m not new to racing — I’ve worked in a yard, been part of the BHA development programme, and worked at Chepstow and Hereford racecourses — so I’ve seen the sport from the inside as well. The mindset of an athlete is unique. A lot of riders don’t want to think about what comes after racing, and I really want to help change that stigma. Nobody rides forever, so developing other skills is simply part of building a full, secure life. And the science backs it up. Athletes who have a clear plan for what comes next actually perform better — they’re not blinkered by the intensity of race riding. Often, when jockeys finally lift their heads and look beyond race riding, they say they feel lighter for it. The last few years of a jockey’s career can be incredibly tough. Things might be slowing down, injuries might be creeping in, and for the first time they’re facing the reality that they may not ride for much longer. That brings uncertainty and a real loss of identity. Having a plan is one thing they can control, and it makes the whole journey feel far less daunting”. “And now you’ve seen first-hand the impact JETS can have, how has the reality of the job matched — or even reshaped — what you expected this work to feel like?”. “Yes, absolutely. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from helping people. I’m trained in behavioural analysis and I’m a DISC facilitator, and that background has shown me that I genuinely gain energy from being in service to others. That’s why I love coaching. I find real reward in helping someone put a CV together, prepare for an interview, apply for a job, or simply talk through their ideas. And I enjoy that it’s different for everyone — no two conversations are ever the same. Looking ahead, relaunching the Friends of JETS network is a key priority for me. We already have a strong group of employers who are keen to work with former jockeys, offering shadowing opportunities, career advice and potential employment routes. I want to strengthen that network even further and make it more active — creating regular shadowing days or short placements, a “try before you buy” approach, so riders can see what the day‑to‑day looks like in different roles. It gives them the chance to explore other careers and get a feel for what might suit them before committing to a new path”. “How do you go about finding people’s strengths?”. “Often it starts with simple questions: What are your interests? What do you enjoy? What sparks your curiosity? We explore different routes, and if there’s even a small spark, we build on it — because if you enjoy what you’re doing, everything becomes easier. I spoke to someone yesterday who’s going to be off for a few weeks, and we talked about whether he wanted to use that time productively. After a bit of brainstorming he said, “You know what, I’d love to ride in France — some French lessons would actually be really useful.” Straight away, you’ve got something to grab hold of: a skill that helps now and could open doors later. Sometimes the answer is closer to home. What do friends or family do? Does any of that appeal? I’ve got someone interviewing with Royal Mail today because his father‑in‑law worked there for 26 years. It’s outdoors, different locations, and he thinks it will suit him. So it’s not always about a dramatic change — sometimes the hook is right in front of you. The truth is, it’s different for everyone. It’s about finding that hook, that interest, that starting point — and building from there”. “How have you found the first few months?”. “It’s incredibly rewarding work. I came in with a good understanding of what JETS does, but I’ve been genuinely impressed by how much support is available for jockeys. Whether it’s through the IJF, the PJA, the on‑course support teams, the rehab centres, or the jockey coaching programme out in the yards, there is a huge amount of investment in our riders. It’s something the sport should be proud of. We also have a slot on the licensing course, so we speak to jockeys right at the very start of their careers”. Coming in with a fresh pair of eyes has been helpful — sometimes you notice things differently. Data is a big focus for me: reporting on what we’re doing, the impact it’s having, and how JETS is genuinely helping jockeys. That’s something I’d really like to highlight more. “How important is the partnership with the Injured Jockeys Fund to the work you do?”. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Injured Jockeys Fund. Their financial backing allows us to deliver our services to the highest standard, and the access they give us to their sites is invaluable — so many of our most meaningful conversations with jockeys happen there. Working alongside the clinical teams and supporting the same individuals means our work is completely aligned. We complement each other. If we can help riders move into sustainable long‑term careers, it ultimately reduces the need for financial support from the IJF — it removes that reliance on charitable help and gives jockeys real independence”. Siobhan Watson, Director of Finance for the Injured Jockeys Fund and a Trustee of JETS, puts it plainly: “We see JETS as pivotal in helping jockeys move into the next stage of their lives and careers. It naturally complements the support the IJF provides, with both organisations standing alongside riders at different points in their journey. Our work focuses on recovery and immediate support, while JETS gives riders a pathway beyond the saddle — helping them build long‑term independence. We’re incredibly proud of how JETS has evolved and of the number of riders whose lives and futures have been shaped by its work.” “And speaking personally (Georgia Cox) I recognise that journey all too well. I remember the thought process clearly — that sense that if I stopped, if I let go, I’d be left disappointed with what I’d done in the saddle. Leaving racing was never in doubt; the real challenge was finding a new direction for the same fire. Lisa Delany made that possible. She’s the reason I now write a weekly column for the Racing Post Weekender. What once felt like disappointment, I look back on fondly now — a dream that was good while it lasted, and one I’m at peace with. Sometimes it’s just turning the page and realising the story isn’t over; it’s simply being told differently”. Georgia Cox writing for the Injured Jockeys Fund |