CABEZA DE LLAVE CROWNED ‘HORSE OF THE YEAR’ AT ROA EPSOM AWARDS IN AID OF RACING WELFARE
Epsom’s racing achievements have been celebrated at the ROA Epsom Awards, which took place at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Saturday 30th November in aid of Racing Welfare, with Cabeza De Llave being crowned ‘Horse of the year’.
Hosted by racing presenter Frankie Foster and former jockey Mattie Batchelor, the awards ceremony, generously sponsored by the Racehorse Owners Association, celebrated the achievements of Epsom’s National Hunt and Flat horses, trainers and industry staff over the past year. Awards were presented across a number of categories including ‘Horse of the Year’ which was won by Cabeza De Llave, a 5-y-o chestnut gelding owned by Dare to Dream Racing, and trained by Michael Attwater.
As well as celebrating Epsom’s equine achievements, three special awards were handed out in recognition of individuals who have shown dedication and passion in their work within the Epsom racing community.
The Stanley Wootton Award, sponsored by Epsom Racecourse, was won by Katy Ferguson, Welfare Officer at Racing Welfare, in recognition of her support of Epsom’s racing staff.
Named after the famous Australian-born Epsom trainer who in 1967 gave the gallops at Epsom to the Horserace Betting Levy Board on a 999-year lease, The Stanley Wootton Award recognises an outstanding contribution by an individual to Epsom as a training and racing centre.
Speaking after winning her award, Katy, said: “It was a lovely surprise, once the nerves of getting on stage eased! This job can get very challenging at times, so it was heartwarming to be given such a lovey award. I appreciate all the kind words from Dawn Goodfellow, the local trainers and attendees on the night. It’s honestly been a pleasure working with the Epsom community. They really do make my job so much easier; I’ve met friends for life in Epsom.”
The Howard Wright Special Recognition Award, sponsored by RaceTech, was won by Steve Scobell who is described as a ‘stalwart’ of the Epsom racing industry. Having started his farriery apprenticeship back in 1975, he is known for his ability to make horses feel relaxed in his care. Steve built a large steel fabrication business along with his sons, and since his retirement from shoeing horses this has become his main focus. This has led to him being an integral part in the redevelopment of South Hatch Stables.
This award is made at the discretion of the judges to recognise a person, horse or special achievement that might otherwise slip under the radar of the conventional awards. It is now named in honour of Howard Wright, the former Associate Editor of the Racing Post, who was a long-serving Judge for the awards, and who sadly passed away in August this year.
The Sir David Prosser Award, sponsored by Orbital Veterinary Services, was won by Simon Dow and Jim Boyle, and is given to the Epsom trainer(s) with the most winners in a calendar year – in this year’s case from 5th November 2023 to 4th November 2024 inclusive.
The full list of award winners is as follows:
Stanley Wooton Award – Katy Ferguson, sponsored by Epsom Racecourse, presented by Jim Allen.
Howard Wright Award – Steve Scobell, sponsored by RaceTech, presented by Joey Forde.
Sir David Prosser Trophy – Jim Boyle and Simon Dow, sponsored by Orbital Veterinary Services, presented by Pat Sells and Lady Rosemary Prosser.
Best 2yo – Many Men (J Boyle) sponsored by ROA VAT Solutions, presented by Glen Hillsmith.
Best 3yo – Mc Loven (S Dow) sponsored by Shotters & Byers, presented by Jess Smart.
Best Older Horse – Live In The Dream (A West) sponsored by Moss Electrical, presented by Robert Moss.
Best National Hunt Horse – Classic Anthem (J Boyle) sponsored by J&J Franks, presented by Peter Crate.
Most Improved Horse/Handicapper –Tronido (S Dow) sponsored by All Weather Champs, presented by Isobel Mangan-Goldstein.
Horse of the Year – Cabeza De Llave (M Attwater) sponsored by ROA, presented by Davina Grewal.
Horse with the most wins –Three-way tie between Rabinal (S Dow), Smasher (M Attwater) and Cabeza De Llave (Michael Attwater), sponsored by Fat Jockey Partnership, presented by Brett Philpott.
The judging panel was made up of Andrew Cooper – Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Epsom Downs and Sandown Park; Lee Mottershead – senior writer for the Racing Post; Rishi Persad – sports broadcaster and Sarah Holton – Ownership Executive at the Racehorse Owners Association.
The evening included a champagne reception, three-course meal, silent charity auction, games, raffle and entertainment from a live band, with approximately £2,500 raised for Racing Welfare.
“I’d like to say congratulations to all the award winners, on what was a wonderful evening of celebration and reflection on all that has been achieved in the past year by Epsom’s racing community. The ROA Epsom Awards are a great way to celebrate the individuals and teams who dedicate their careers to the racing industry. I’m delighted that Katy won the award in recognition of her ongoing support of the workforce in Epsom, which continues to go from strength to strength thanks to her hard work and the continued fundraising efforts by our supporters. Thank you to all our sponsors, presenters, awards winners, nominees and attendees, for making the event such a success.”
Dawn Goodfellow, Racing Welfare Chief Executive
