The Alder Demain Akers Stan Mellor Chase Day, Warwick's next meeting on Tuesday 3 November, remembers the first jockey to ride 1,000 winners over jumps, achieved when the grey Ouzo won at Nottingham on 18 December 1971.
Of all his wins, the one which Stan Mellor is, probably, best remembered for was the 1966 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup when he rode another grey, Stalbridge Colonist, to beat the legendary Arkle. It wasn't all plain sailing for Mellor, however, as he was believed to have had 750 falls to go with his winners during a glittering riding career before going on to be a successful trainer.
During the afternoon, there will be presentations to the winners of the 2026 Richard Davis Awards, hosted by JETS, a charity set up in 1995 to help current and former professional jockeys plan and achieve a secure future. Since its inception, the charity has helped over 800 current and former jockeys with career advice, grants and training in new skills to gain employment after race-riding.
Early retirement is inevitable for jockeys and the injury risk is high: National Hunt jockeys are 30 years old on average when their careers end, and flat jockeys are not far behind at 33. Statistics also show that, on average, jump jockeys experience a fall every 16 rides and, with horses travelling at speeds of more than 30mph, flat falls can be equally serious.
The awards were established in memory of the late Richard Davis who had started planning for his future before his fatal race fall in 1996. Judged by a panel of independent judges, JETS Trustees and IJF Almoners, the awards highlight the important role JETS plays in encouraging and helping jockeys develop the skills required for a range of new careers, not only once they have retired, but importantly whilst they are still riding.
The entries are judged according to the initiative, forethought, effort and determination put into their career development and cover three categories.
- The Jockey Club Achievement Award: recognising former jockeys who have demonstrated significant achievement, commitment and sustained progression in their chosen career beyond racing. There is £3,000 to the winner, plus two £500 runner-up prizes.
- IJF Enterprise Award: a new Award for 2026, carrying a prize of £2,000, which recognises a jockey who has demonstrated entrepreneurship, innovation and initiative in starting or developing their own business, freelance career, trade or enterprise activity.
- BHA Development Award: recognising currently licensed jockeys who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their personal and professional development while riding. There is £1,000 to the winner, plus two £250 runner-up prizes.
With the clocks going back on 25th of this month, there will be earlier start times for racing from now on, so do check race times before booking.
Photograph: Thomas Brown (right) winner of the 2025 Jockey Club Achievement Award with fellow winners Conor Rabbitt (left) and Thomasina Eyston (centre) (David Pratt Photography)
