David Jeffries scoops the dedication to Epsom award at a glittering ceremony
David Jeffries, was the star of the night on Saturday (27th November) as he collected his Dedication to Racing in Epsom trophy at a glittering Owners’ and Trainers’ awards ceremony held at Epsom Downs racecourse.
David arrived in Epsom in 1974, following a five year stint in Newmarket, and has remained there ever since. He has dedicated his working life to racing in Epsom and it was wonderful to see that work recognised in front of many of David’s colleagues and friends.
David Jeffries was presented his trophy by Simone Sear, Racing Welfare’s Director of Welfare
Also recognised on the night, which was hosted by Sky Sports Racing presenter Hayley Moore, were trainers Simon Dow and Jim Boyle who once again shared the Sir David Prosser Award for the leading Epsom Flat Trainer.
The 2021 Stanley Wootton Award, which recognises outstanding merit on behalf of Epsom as a racing and training centre went to former groundsman Peter Murray. Peter was a Downskeeper in Epsom for 19 years and was recognised for not only his commitment to his role but also for his willingness to always go above and beyond but also for his fantastic conservation work on the Downs.
The awards cover a range of categories across the board and this year’s other winners were as follows:
- Two Year Old (Sponsored by ROA VAT Solutions): Live In The Dream ; trained by Adam West; owned by Steve and Jolene De’Lemos
- Three Year Old (Sponsored by Shotter & Byers): Going Gone trained by Jim Boyle; owned by Taylor and O’Dwyer
- Turf Horse (Sponsored by J&J Franks): Live In The Moment; trained by Adam West; owned by Steve and Jolene De’Lemos
- All Weather Performer (Sponsored by All-Weather Championships): Sky Blue Thinking; trained by Adam West; owned by Cavendish Bloodstock and Star Point
- Horse with the Most Wins (Sponsored by Fat Jockey Partnership): JOINT WINNERS – Devizes; trained by Pat Phelan; owned by Celtic Contractors Ltd; and Sky Blue Thinking; trained by Adam West; Owned by Cavendish Bloodstock and Star Point
- Horse of the Year (Sponsored by Moss Electrical): Corazon Espinado; trained by Simon Dow; Owned by; Robert Moss.
Team Adam West celebrate a successful night
The evening also saw the Special Recognition Award, which is designed to reward the efforts of a horse whose competitive efforts may otherwise slip under the radar, go to Cristal Pallas Cat. The six-year-old gelding, trained by Roger Ingram, was recognised for his consistency and determination with Roger describing his charge as: “a brilliant little horse with a big heart who loved his job. He was tough and genuine and gave us everlasting memories.”
Rhian and Roger Ingram collected the Special Recognition Award for Cristal Pallas Cat.
The wonderful evening which was a true celebration of the racing community in Epsom was rounded off with two hours of non-stop dancing on a packed dance floor to live band, The Revue, and a champagne raffle that raised over £1,600.
Fabulous night at the brilliantly organised Epsom Racing Welfare Awards. So proud of our very special brothers - Live in The Dream and Live in the Moment on winning. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees. Bring on 2022 and fingers crossed for a big year for Epsom based horses.
Steve and Jolene De’Lemos
