Tom Marquand makes final three for YSPOTY

It may seem a long time ago when Tom Marquand was crowned Champion Apprentice at the end of the Flat Racing Season, but now the Pony Racing Graduate is in line for another award after making the final three for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.

The 17-year-old’s achievements were recognised by the wider sporting world last month when he was nominated alongside nine other athletes from a wide range of sports and there was further reason to celebrate on Thursday evening when he joined para-swimmer Tully Kearney and gymnast Ellie Downie in the final trio announced live on CBBC’s Blue Peter on Thursday.

Tom said:

“It’s amazing to think that just two years ago I was still firing myself around Point-to- Point tracks on racing ponies with a dream of making a career as a jockey.

Reflecting back on the time I spent pony racing it has proved to be an essential part of my preparation to come to the stage where I am in a position to be considered towards such a prestigious award. I can’t be thank everyone enough for helping and supporting me from the earlier years up to this point in time.”