End of Season Awards

The 2017 Pony Racing Awards were held at Sheepdrove Organic Farm on Sunday, 3rd December. We had a great turn out of children & families and were lucky enough to visit Jamie Osborne’s yard in Upper Lambourn in the morning. Jamie gave us a fascinating insight into his training methods including a demonstration of his treadmill in action. We were also treated to the extraordinary story of Toast of New York who has ended up back in training with Jamie. Very emotional and totally absorbing! Thank you Jamie for sharing!

We moved to Sheepdrove Organic Farm for the Awards presentations where we welcomed Richard and Dawn Prince to present the Rose Bengal awards, Zoe Elliot to present the CareersinRacing Best Turned Out awards and Kate Hills to present the RaceTech Awards.

The 2017 Award winners were: 
Charles Owen Finals at Newmarket: Oakley Brown (148), Daniel Ellis (138).
Conditions Final at York: Owen Lewis (148), Harry Davies (138).
The Rose Bengal Leading Rider Awards sponsored by Richard & Dawn Prince: William Humphrey (148) and Finn Muirhead (138).
The Rose Bengal Scholarship Awards – Winner: Owen Lewis (148), runners up – Nia Kerslake & Alfie Godfrey; Winner: Elliot England (138), runners up – Poppy Scott & Megan Bevan.
The Careers in Racing Best Turned Out Award – Minty Bloss (138), (2nd Poppy Scott, 3rd Jamie Spencer); Joint winners – Nia Kerslake & Joshua Brown (148), (2nd Alfie Godfrey, 3rd Molly Burton).
Most widely travelled during 2017 – William Humphrey (14 Charles Owen races). 
RaceTech Media Leading PtP Riders – Charlie Sprake(148), Freddie Gingell (138).
Overall contribution to Pony Racing – Richard & Dawn Prince

The PRA asked the riders to give some thought to anything they would like to see changed in the industry. They are the future of racing after all. Below are listed some of their suggestions:

– A warm up area in the weighing room
– Optional warm up fence on the way to the start of jump races
– Greater recognition of the work contributed by grooms
– Introduce more Pony Racing Graduate races
– Introduce a weight allowance for girls as they do in France
– Take away the whip to improve public perception and encourage
jockeys to ride a more balanced finish
– Re-introduce seasonal breaks for both codes

Worth listening to? We certainly think these ideas are worth exploring. Watch this space!