JETS general manager wins new racing community award
Lisa Delany, general manager and career coach at JETS – the Jockeys Employment and Training Scheme – has won the inaugural Rory MacDonald Community Award for her outstanding commitment and contribution to the racing community.
Andrew Chalk, a partner in the Racing and Bloodstock team at law firm Withy King and Chairman of JETS, nominated Lisa for the award.
He said: “JETS has flourished under Lisa’s leadership, advising hundreds of professional jockeys on their future careers and helping many more to realise their potential and develop new skills, often for alternative roles within racing as well as in completely different fields.
“Lisa’s selfless and tireless approach is admirable. Although much of the work that she does is behind the scenes, she is totally dedicated to helping others and her efforts have quite literally changed lives.
“On behalf of the JETS board and the rest of the team, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Lisa for the amazing work she does and to congratulate her on her well-deserved win.”
Lisa was presented with her award by presenter, writer and broadcaster, Clare Balding, and champion jump jockey, Sir Anthony McCoy, at the prestigious Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2016 which was hosted by the British Horseracing Authority in partnership with the Racing Post and took place in London earlier this week (22 February).
Lisa worked closely with racing legend Rory MacDonald, who was known for mentoring countless numbers of apprentices and staff working at all levels within studs and stable yards, and in whose name this new award was created following his death in 2015.
Lisa joined JETS in 2002 from Kingston Maurward College in Dorset where she was a lecturer in equine studies.
Established in 1995, JETS helps current and former professional jockeys plan and achieve a secure future, providing careers advice, access to grants and training in new skills, so they can gain alternative employment when they retire from racing. The charity is funded by jockeys’ prize money contributions and additional support from The Injured Jockeys Fund.