Chepstow set to host awards night for Welsh racing
CHEPSTOW Racecourse will be holding the first-ever Welsh Horse Racing Awards, in support of Racing Welfare, on Thursday, November 22.
The awards are designed to recognise both equine and human talent and success across Wales including owners, trainers, horses, jockeys, stable staff and breeders.
A panel of horse racing professionals will choose the winners who will be presented with their awards during a ceremony at Chepstow Racecourse.
Horses and humans from the Welsh racing industry have registered plenty of column inches in the last year.
In January, 16-year-old James Bowen became the youngest jockey to win the Coral Welsh Grand National and, in April, trainer Rebecca Curtis sent out Coral Scottish National winner Joe Farrell, ridden by Welsh-based jockey Adam Wedge.
These are just two examples of excellence in Welsh racing.
To qualify for the awards, nominees must live or work in Wales.
Phil Bell, executive director of Chepstow and Ffos Las Racecourses, said: “Wales has a flourishing racing industry and we felt it was time that the people and horses involved in the sport were officially recognised.
Trainer Tim Vaughan, one of the judges, said “I am delighted to be involved in selecting the first winners of the Welsh Horse Racing Awards. There are so many hard working people, loyal owners and great racehorses in Wales, it’s great that their success and commitment will be endorsed by these awards.”
List of the categories: Jockey of the Year; Trainer of the Year; Owner of the Year; Best Flat Horse; Best Hurdler; Best Chaser; Lifetime Achievement; Breeder of the Year; Rising Star of the Future; Stable Staff Recognition Award.
The awards are sponsored by George Smith Horseboxes and the evening is supporting Racing Welfare.
Nominations will be accepted by e-mail (sbell@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk).
When making a nomination, please state the category and the reasons behind the suggestion.
The qualifying period for the awards is from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018.
Tickets to attend the awards event which includes a welcome drink and three-course dinner, coffee and an event programme are £55 (+VAT) pp. See chepstow-racecourse.co.uk for details or call 01291 622260.