Congratulations to the Lesters winners 2022
Nine accolades were presented to the winners of the Professional Jockeys Association Lesters Awards 2022 tonight on Sky Sports Racing, as the PJA and Sky Sports Racing joined forces to host a live broadcast of the popular awards ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of Jockeys over the past twelve months.
William Buick won his second Flat Jockey of the Year Lester, having won the same accolade in 2021. Brian Hughes was also victorious for the second time in the Jump Jockey of the Year category after picking up the same award in 2020.
Jockeys Benoit De La Sayette and Kevin Brogan received their first career Lesters for Apprentice Jockey of the Year and Conditional Jockey of the Year. It was another Lesters first for Jonny Peate who was chosen by the Racing TV viewers as the Flat Ride of the Year winner on Rocket Rod at Newcastle on 23 June 2022. The Sky Sports Racing viewers selected Paddy Brennan’s ride on Knight Salute at Aintree on 7 April as the Jump Ride of the Year winner, his second career Lester having picked up the Conditional award in 2005.
Josh Moore, a familiar face on the jumps circuit until his injury in April, was chosen as the winner of the Jump Jockey Special Recognition award and is a tribute to his popularity amongst his colleagues in the weighing room. Leading northern Flat jockey and recently crowned Cock O’ The North winner Paul Mulrennan received the Flat Jockey Special Recognition award.
Luke Morris was chosen as the recipient of the special ‘Lester Piggott Honorary Award’. The award was presented in memory of Lester following his passing earlier this year and chosen by Lester’s daughter, Maureen Haggas: ‘I just wanted to particularly recognise his ride on Alpinista in the Arc and his great record at Longchamps. He rode a really cool, confident and accomplished race to win the Arc and it was a top performance from Luke.’
Ian McMahon, Chief Executive of the Professional Jockeys Association said:
“The annual Lesters awards are always entertaining and a reminder to viewers of the special talent that Jockeys possess. Receiving an accolade remains a highlight for any Jockey, especially when the award is voted for by your colleagues. We congratulate all the winners, especially those in receipt of their first trophy. Once again, many thanks, as ever to Sky Sports Racing for their continued support in hosting the event.”
Winners of the Lesters 2022
- Apprentice Jockey of the Year: Benoit De La Sayette
- Flat Ride of the Year: Jonny Peate, Rocket Rod, Newcastle, 23 June 2022
- Flat Jockey Special Recognition: Paul Mulrennan
- Conditional Jockey of the Year: Kevin Brogan
- Jump Ride of the Year: Paddy Brennan, Knight Salute, Aintree, 7 April 2022
- Jump Jockey Special Recognition: Josh Moore
- Flat Jockey of the Year: William Buick
- Jump Jockey of the Year: Brian Hughes
- Lester Piggott Honorary Award: Luke Morris