The Stan Mellor Day at Warwick Racecourse: Honouring a True Racing Legend

Written by Dana Mellor for Racing Together

Earlier this month, members of the racing community gathered at Warwick Racecourse to celebrate the life and legacy of Stan Mellor MBE — the first jump jockey to ride 1,000 winners and an influential figure across the sport.

Hosted by the Simply Racing team, known for its people-led initiatives and “putting the racing family first”, the day brought together family, friends and industry colleagues to reflect on Stan’s contribution and continued influence. The team, which includes his daughter Dana Mellor, welcomed guests and partners in recognition of values that defined his career, including determination, innovation and support for others.

Marking 30 years of the JETS Richard Davis Awards

The event also coincided with the 30th anniversary of the JETS Richard Davis Awards, which recognise jockeys who have successfully transitioned into new careers after riding. More than 1,000 jockeys have now benefitted from the programme. Dana Mellor, who helped establish JETS and led it during its first decade, commented:

“To see JETS thriving 30 years on is incredibly special as it represents everything my father stood for – his quiet determination to move the sport forward and his contribution to racing which reached far beyond his record-breaking career in the saddle.”

A Gathering of Racing’s Family

Guests included Ed Nicholson of Unibet, a long-time supporter of the sport, and Lucy Gurney, Chair of Women in Racing and Community Engagement Manager for Racing Together. Their attendance reflected the shared focus across the industry on collaboration and prioritising the wellbeing of people within racing.

Colleagues from across the sport shared memories of Stan’s achievements — not only as a record-breaking jockey but also as the first-ever Chair of the Jockeys’ Association, an early supporter of the Injured Jockeys Fund, and later as a trainer and mentor.

“The Stan Mellor Day wasn’t just about looking back,” said Lucy Gurney. “It was about celebrating the values that still unite us today – care, courage and community.”

Celebrating Racing’s Past, Present and Future

The day served as a reminder of the impact that individuals can have on the sport and of the importance of maintaining a supportive and collaborative approach to racing’s future.

A fitting tribute to a pioneering figure and to the thousands of jockeys whose stories – past, present and future – contribute to the strength of the racing community.