<strong>THE</strong> McCOYS FRIDAY 29th SEPTEMBER AT CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE TICKETS INCLUDE: Champagne reception | 3 course celebration dinner | £80 per person | Table of 10 - £750 BOOK ONLINE NOW www.cheltenham.co.uk or call 01242 537 662 10
<strong>THE</strong> MCCOYS RECOGNISING JUMP RACING BRILLIANCE IN <strong>THE</strong> SOUTH WEST REGION OF <strong>THE</strong> JOCKEY CLUB Exciting new awards for owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and horses running at Cheltenham and the three other Jockey Club Racecourses in the South West of England, Warwick, Wincanton and Exeter, will go to the champions of the region this season, 2016/<strong>2017</strong>. The awards are called the "McCoys" after Sir A P McCoy, the recordingbreaking 20-time champion Jump jockey who retired from race riding in April, 2015. Ian Renton, Regional Director of Jockey Club Racecourses, Cheltenham & the South West, explained: “The four courses in our region, Cheltenham, Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton, are devoted entirely to Jump Racing and, with so many of our leading trainers and jockeys based in the South West, we feel it is important to recognise this great region and we are delighted to be launching the inaugural McCoys. “We want to highlight all the fantastic racing that takes places at the four racecourses across the season and we have a number of categories to celebrate the champions and achievements of both equine and human stars. “Jump Racing in the South West is very competitive and I am sure that these awards will only strengthen that position.” The McCoys were launched on September 30, 2016 at a dinner in The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse attended by 270 people and hosted by Jill Douglas. The awards themselves will be announced on Friday, October 27, <strong>2017</strong>, the evening of the first raceday of the season at Cheltenham. Sir A P McCoy commented: “I'm delighted that the new Jockey Club South West region awards are to be called the McCoys. “I have many happy memories of riding at all the four courses during my career and will now take extra interest in the racing at Warwick, Cheltenham, Wincanton and Exeter this season! “I shall very much look forward to the awards next autumn and being on the judging panel.” The inaugural McCoys are decided by performances in the region from September 20, 2016 through to May 25, <strong>2017</strong>. <strong>THE</strong> AWARDS ARE FOR Cheltenham Media Guide <strong>2017</strong> LEADING OWNERS Recognising two owners who are committed to running horses and winning in the South West region during the 2016/17 season. 1. Leading owner with four or more horses in training. 2. Leading owner with less than four horses in training. LEADING TRAINERS Recognising two trainers in the South West region during the 2016/17 season. 1. Leading trainer with 40 or more horses in training. 2. Leading trainer with less than 40 horses in training LEADING JOCKEY A new era dawns for jockeys with the three South West titles sure to be hotly contested. 1. Leading jockey 2. Leading conditional jockey 3. Leading amateur jockey HORSES OF <strong>THE</strong> SEASON Recognising outstanding equine achievements across the Jockey Club South West region. 1. Leading novice hurdler 2. Leading hurdler 3. Leading novice chaser 4. Leading chaser TOP HORSE OF <strong>THE</strong> SEASON Judged by an expert panel, this award will recognise the performance by an individual horse. Do you remember Quevega winning for the sixth consecutive time in 2015, the mare Annie Power taking the Champion Hurdle in 2016 and Unowhatimeanharry winning at both Exeter and at The Festival in March? PONY RACING ACHIEVEMENT OF <strong>THE</strong> SEASON Sam Twiston-Davies and Sean Bowen have both ridden in pony races before becoming recognised racing heroes – they coaxed the very best out of ponies on the journey to the professional ranks. The judges will recognise the achievement of the season at pony races across the South West region. STABLE PERSON OF <strong>THE</strong> YEAR A stable lad or lass is as crucial as any other element in winning races. This award seeks to recognise the behind the scenes passion, dedication and skills of the supporting cast to the equine heroes of our sport. Nominated by trainers based in Gloucestershire, Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and South Wales. RIDE OF <strong>THE</strong> SEASON – <strong>THE</strong> MCCOY Judged by an expert panel, this award recognises horsemanship of the highest calibre. Who can forget A P McCoy’s ride aboard Wichita Lineman in 2009 and Victoria Pendleton partnering Pachu Du Polder to fifth place in the St James’s Place Foxhunter Chase at The Festival in 2016? This award will recognise individual horsemanship and outstanding skill in the South West and is not restricted to winning rides. FREQUENT RUNNER AWARDS These longstanding awards recognises trainers who run their horses across the region’s racecourses. Points are awarded for runs at Cheltenham, Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD Recognising a horse, or person who has made an outstanding contribution to the South West Jump season. 11
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