THE FESTIVAL 2017 MEDIA GUIDE

THE MCCOYS
RECOGNISING JUMP RACING BRILLIANCE IN THE SOUTH WEST REGION OF THE 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,
2016/2017.
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, 2017, 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, 2017.
THE AWARDS ARE FOR
Cheltenham Media Guide 2017
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 THE 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 THE 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 THE
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
THE 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 THE
SEASON – THE 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.
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