RACING WELFARE VOLUNTEER CELEBRATED FOR HIS LIFE-SAVING ACTIONS

The swift actions of a dedicated charity volunteer, which saved the life of a Racing Welfare beneficiary after she stopped breathing, has been celebrated by the charity and seen him shortlisted for an industry award in recognition of his efforts.

Racing Welfare, whose mission is to enhance and support the wellbeing of Racing’s people, nominated Brian ‘Clem’ Clements, 61, of Baydon near Lambourn, in the Community Award category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards 2025, which is sponsored by Godolphin.

Since January 2024, Clem has been volunteering for Racing Welfare in the Lambourn area, supporting the charity with local community events and outings. Travelling on a coach from Lambourn to Epsom for the Derby last year, Clem sprang into action after Racing Welfare beneficiary Dot Kavanagh, 81, from Lambourn, had slumped in her seat and had stopped breathing. Alerted to the situation by Dot’s friend, Clem managed to carry Dot out of her seat and lay her down and open her airway – this allowed her to breathe again, meaning he didn’t have to administer CPR. Clem then remained with Dot until she regained consciousness and was then taken to hospital.

Speaking after the incident, Dot Kavanagh, said: “He saved my life and if it hadn’t been for Clem on the coach – I wouldn’t be here now. He was so caring and even since then he still comes to make sure I am still OK. When it first happened, he came up about three days running to make sure I was well. Even my family can’t thank him enough.”

Clem had a 26-year career in racing which began in his teens when he worked for Major Dick Hern and stayed on to work for Marcus Tregoning at Kingwood House Stables when he took over the licence in 1997. Whilst working in racing, Clem was associated with many top racehorses and prides himself on being the groom and rider of legendary sprinter, Dayjur. Clem left racing to pursue a career in the fire and rescue service, and he retired in 2023.

Clem said: “I love volunteering for Racing Welfare and was so surprised I had been nominated for an award – I was very humbled as I have only been doing it for a year. I’m delighted to have made the top 10, but I think it would have been unfair for me to win because there’s far more deserving people than me, especially as racing staff definitely work a lot harder now and have much bigger workloads than I ever had in my time. I’d never realised how much Racing Welfare did for the industry until I started volunteering, and I’m looking forward to 2025 and all the opportunities it will bring.

“I’m so happy there was a good outcome for Dot that day on the coach – my time in the fire and rescue service definitely helped me that day – it was just instinct and I acted quickly which thankfully had a positive outcome.”

Due to a very competitive field of nominations in his category, Clem hasn’t made it through to the final round of the Community Award category of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards 2025, but he did receive a £250 prize for making it into the top 10, which he has very generously donated to Racing Welfare to support their work.

Kerry Prior, a welfare officer based in Lambourn said: “Clem’s been really helpful since he started volunteering for Racing Welfare. He just cracked straight on and threw himself into the role. He helps to come up with new ideas to engage the local community, taking the lead at events wherever he can and injecting new life into our social calendar.

“All our beneficiaries absolutely love him. He’s got such a positive vibe, it really lifts your spirits being around him. I’m so pleased that he chose to volunteer for Racing Welfare, he’s been a massive help and we are very grateful.”

Speaking of the nomination, Clem’s former employer, Marcus Tregoning, said: “He was a brilliant rider and excellent on the yard, I couldn’t have known anyone that was better at looking after a racehorse than Clem. Not only were his horses always immaculately turned out, but you’d never find anyone better turned out himself than Clem. He led by a standard and was very proud of that.

“Not only was he great with the horses, but he was great with all the other staff, definitely one of the best. I couldn’t say enough about him, top class. I couldn’t rate him more highly, such a kind person and brilliant with all the young staff.”

With £128,500 in prize money on offer, the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin, celebrate the remarkable dedication and commitment of those working at the heart of British horseracing. The short-listed nominees were announced on Monday 13^th January and the awards ceremony will be held at York Racecourse on Monday 24^th February 2025.

To find out more about Racing Welfare’s work in supporting all of racing’s people, or the volunteering opportunities available, go to www.racingwelfare.co.uk