Robson rises from the racing ashes

Published on Tuesday 17 November 2009 21:49

FORMER jockey Paul Robson decided he would swap silks for sackcloth when he retired from race riding – and now his success in becoming a funeral director has landed him a prestigious award.

Robson, 26, now based in Hawick, shared top honours with former colleague, Alan Dempsey to win a Griffins Richard Davis Achievement Award at Cheltenham racecourse for his efforts in developing a career as a joiner and funeral director.

"I was surprised and delighted to hear I had won the award." said Robson. "I am hoping to put the prize money towards new equipment and marketing for the business."

Robson rode 89 winners from more than 950 rides as a conditional jockey from 2001-5, based with Jonjo O'Neill and then Nicky Richards.

Shoulder injuries and weight problems eventually forced Paul to retire and look at various options. Paul may also be better known to some as the lead singer of indie rock band Up in Arms.

The Griffins Richard Davis Awards were established 14 years ago, in memory of the late Richard Davis who had started planning for his future before his fatal race fall in 1996.