The Lifetime in Racing series was devised as a way of recognising and thanking those that have served the racing industry their entire working lives, the unsung heroes of the sport. In order to qualify for one of these awards, each candidate must have served at least 40 years in the industry working in yards, on a stud or a racecourse. Once again, we are extremely grateful to The Racing Post and Blue Chip for their generous support of this initiative.

If you would like to nominate a deserving candidate for one of these awards in 2008 please contact Francoise on 01638 565242 or email: fguillambert@racingwelfare.co.uk

The 2008 Lifetime races will be held at the following courses :

Jimmy Bourke

Jimmy entered racing via point to pointing after finishing school at 18. He loved his hunting with Willie Gleeson and admits that if there was a hunt and he could find a ride he was there. After cutting his teeth with Pat Hougan and a handful of pointing wins to his name he decided to give England a try and took out his amateurs licence in 1966. In 1967 the stewards withdrew his permit to ride which led him to spend a year under Robert Hall at the Fulmer School of Equitation, where he received extensive dressage training - not really part of Jimmy’s plan, but with hindsight a wonderful opportunity to be taught by a graduate of the Spanish Riding School.

In 1968 Jimmy returned to racing, taking out a professional jockey’s licence. A career unfolded that boasts around 300 wins, successful completion of 7 nationals, coming 3 rd and 4 th on Astbury and Gingernut, winning the Scottish National in 1973 on Esban for Robert Clay and coming 2 nd in the Welsh National on Astbury.

Jimmy is also particularly proud of being retained to ride Dorothy Squire’s horses, and of Dorothy inviting him onto the stage during one of her performances at the London Palladium to show her appreciation.

He retired from professional riding ‘when the phone stopped ringing’ - it had never been Jimmy’s way to chase rides, preferring trainers and owners to actively select him. His career then continued with the role of head lad in various yards, Stephen Norton, Mel Britain, Sue Smith and Richard Whittaker, all benefited from Jimmy’s experience.

Gerry McCann

Gerry McCann was rewarded for his lifetime's dedication to racing at Salisbury Racecourse on Tuesday June 10th.

Gerry came over from his native Ireland in 1963 to serve his apprenticeship with Hampshire trainer, Bill Wightman. In 1973 he went to work for Major Dick Hern at the renowned West Ilsley Stables. “The Major” moved to Kingwood House Stables in Lambourn, and Gerry duly followed. It was only when “The Major” retired in 1997 did he finish working for this great trainer. He then started in the same yard with “The Major’s” Assistant, Marcus Tregoning, where he still works to date.

Gerry has only worked for three trainers during his career which goes to show what a top class guy he is. Over the years he has ridden four Derby winners in their preparation for the big race. TROY in ’79, HENBIT in ’80, NASHWAN in ’89 (all for Major Hern) and more recently SIR PERCY in 2006 for Marcus Tregoning. He says the best horse he has ever sat on was the great Nashwan. Many photographs of various greats Gerry has ridden grace the walls of the pub he co-runs in Lambourn with his brother Sean, The Wheelwright Arms.

Michael "Gerry" Germon

Michael Germon, better know as "Gerry" received his Lifetime in racing accolade at Goodwood racecourse on 31st May. Born in 1940 at Kingsteignton in the shadow of Newton Abbot Racecourse, he first rode show ponies and hunters. In 1952, 53 & 54 his was the only boy to win the Eagle Cup for best child rider. A cup still proudly displayed in the trophy cabinet today. In 1962 he also won the Stable Lads Boxing held at Marlborough.

Michael began his career as an apprentice to the former champion jockey turned trainer, Sir Gordon Richards, in 1955. He had his first rides in 1957 at Newbury where he rode his first winner on Pin Prick owned by Miss Dorothy Paget.

He then went on to work for Jeremy Tree and Captain Ryan Price until arriving at Castle Stables, Arundel to work for John Dunlop in 1984.

An accident at work resulting in both hip and knee replacements, funded by the Injured Jockeys Fund ended Michael’s work riding career. Rather than leave the industry Michael became a travelling lad and is now 3 rd Travelling Head Lad for John Dunlop at Castle Stables.