Watch jockey’s tear-jerking interview after beating homelessness, drink and drugs to ride biggest winner of his life

JOCKEY Ray Dawson thought his career was over before it got going thanks to the demon bottle.

But the 27-year-old beat the drink and drugs to ride the biggest winner of his life.. and there was hardly a dry eye in the house at York.

Dawson and Zain Claudette saw off hot favourite Sandrine

He partnered Zain Claudette to a stunning £85,000 win in the Lowther Stakes.

But it wasn’t that long ago Dawson thought the game might not be for him.

Through his early twenties, Dawson faced his demons. He struggled with the lows racing throws up on a daily basis and turned to the bottle at any opportunity.

Not only did it nearly cost him his career, it nearly cost him his life.

But that’s the past and with a fiancee and newborn baby to provide for, Dawson is now in the big time after his success on Ismail Mohammed’s horse.

Asked about being left homeless from drink, drugs and depression after his victory, Dawson said: “Look, it wasn’t that long ago. I never thought I’d have a job, never mind be sitting here riding the winner of the Lowther.

“It means the absolute world to me, it means more than I could ever say.

“It means so much to my family, my mum at home, my fiancee and my beautiful baby Lila, it just means so much.

“I really am truly blessed and I just feel so, so grateful.”

Dawson only lost his apprentice claim last week and recently booted home a Group 3 winner at Ascot for good measure.

Things truly are on the up for Dawson and he’s a jockey to keep on side.

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Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/jockey-joe-colliver-banned-for-six-months-after-testing-ten-times-over-the-limit-for-cocaine