The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has announced today that former Group 1 winning jockey Steve Drowne will join its team of stipendiary stewards in 2018.
Drowne will commence training following the relinquishing of his jockey’s licence and will begin an extended period of training as a junior stipendiary steward with the BHA on 8 January 2018.
Drowne rode his first winner, Sigwell’s Gold, in 1990 for trainer Richard Holder. Amongst the highlights of his subsequent 27 year career which heralded over 1,400 winners from over 16,600 rides are six Group 1 wins, including in the Cheveley Park Stakes, July Cup and the Nunthorpe Stakes.
Drowne also rode a century of winners in a single season on three occasions in 2002, 2003 and 2007 and has served as joint-president of the Professional Jockeys’ Association for the last ten years.
Steve Drowne said:
“I’m delighted to accept the position of Stipendiary Steward, after spending 27 years as a jockey.
“I was very keen to use that experience in another sphere of the racing industry and have a second career rather than just a second job.”
Jamie Stier, Chief Regulatory Officer at the BHA, said:
“I’m delighted that Steve will be joining the BHA’s team of stipendiary stewards.
“He becomes the latest in a succession of top class riders to make the move to stewarding and I’m sure his years of experience of riding at the highest level will be an invaluable addition to the BHA.”
On behalf of The Professional Jockeys Association, Nigel Payne, Chairman said:
“We would like to wish Steve every possible success in his new career. He has had wonderful years in the saddle and is greatly respected by his colleagues in the weighing room. We are certain he will be as equally successful as a stipendiary steward
“Steve has served on the PJA’s Council since 2001 and in 2008 was appointed Joint President. His contribution and work on behalf of his fellow jockeys has been invaluable and we thank him warmly for that.”
Notes to editors:
1. Steve Drowne will join a team of 16 existing stipendiary stewards working at the BHA.
2. Drowne, 46, in main picture winning on his final ride aboard Met by Moonlight at Lingfield on 31 December 2017:
