WE are looking forward to holding the first ever Welsh Horse Racing Awards at Chepstow Racecourse on Thursday 22nd November, in support of the charity Racing Welfare.

Wales has a flourishing racing industry and we felt it was time that the people and horses involved in the sport were officially recognised. These awards are designed to recognise both equine and human talent and success amongst 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 an evening ceremony.

Horses and humans from the Welsh racing industry have registered plenty of column inches in the last year. In January, sixteen-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. Meanwhile, Bargoed-born jockey David Probert has been riding at the highest level on the flat.

If you’d like to make a nomination, please 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 1st 2017 to October 31st 2018. To qualify for the awards, nominees must live or work in Wales.

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.”

Categories include jockey, trainer and owner of the year, best flat horse, hurdler and chaser, lifetime achievement, rising star, breeder of the year and a stable staff recognition award. The awards are sponsored by George Smith Horseboxes and the evening is supporting Racing Welfare.

Tickets to attend the awards event, which includes a welcome drink and three-course dinner, coffee and an event programme are £55+VAT per person and can be booked via the racecourse office.

Two Welsh trainers had big priced winners at Ffos Las’s soggy NSPCC Family Raceday on Sunday. Chepstow’s Ron Harris sent the 2-year-old Eye of the Water who returned a 16/1 winner, while Bargoed trainer Bernard Llewellyn’s Ascot Day scored at 14/1.

The next race meeting at Chepstow is the Jump Season Opener meeting on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October.