LEOMINSTER farrier, Lee Morris takes his first Hereford and Borders Harness Racing Club Driver’s title in 2015 in a spirited battle, with a only a few points between the top six.
Dinmore-based owner, Stella Havard, who recently got voted back as Chair for the 22nd year, was delighted that her home-bred Fantasizing takes the trophies for both Leading Horse and Leading Mare, following in the hoofprints of her full sister, Tantalizing, who landed that notable double in 2014.
Brockhampton man, Martin Roberts partnered both mares to all their victories, and took the Over-50’s driver series. Victoria Allan, an up-and coming fashion designer who has just launched her own range, took the honours for the C Class Drivers Series.
The Leading Young Horse award was a glorious accolade for Fred Baker’s popular four year-old, Cash Point, trained by his daughter, Becky, at Almeley. Cash Point went on to win seven races in his first season.
BHRC Chairman, Roy Sheedy, takes the Owner and Trainer Championship.
The awards will be presented today (Sunday), at The Bunch of Carrots, Hampton Bishop, where Checkley-based judge, John Harris will be honoured for his 40+ years of service to the sport.
LEADING HORSE: 1 Fantasizing 2 Cash Point 3 Ystwyth Valley
LEADING MARE: 1 Fantasizing 2 Beacon Spellbound & Ayr Pantomine 4 Dizzy Miss Lizzie
LEADING YOUNG HORSE Cash Point 2 Ystwyth Valley 3 Ayr Pantomine
LEADING DRIVER: 1 Lee Morris =2 Sarah Allen & Mark Pritchard 4 Martin Roberts
LEADING OWNER: 1 Roy Sheedy 2 Stella Havard 3 Fred Baker
LEADING TRAINER: 1 Roy Sheedy 2 Stella Havard 3 Rebecca Baker
LEADING YOUNG DRIVER: 1 Nathan Strickland 2 Victoria Allen
LEADING SENIOR DRIVER: 1 Mark Pritchard 2 Martin Roberts 3 Patrick Morris 4 Roy Wilson
C CLASS DRIVER RACES POINTS SERIES: 1 Victoria Allen 2 Nathan Strickland
BRUCE BARON CUP FOR OVER 50’S DRIVER SERIES 1 Martin Roberts
2 Mark Pritchard.
CARETAKER OF THE YEAR: Rachel Sydenham
MEDIA AWARD Paul Moon –theracinghorse.co.uk
PERSONALITIES OF THE YEAR: Richy Evans & Fred Baker
CLUB COMMUNITY AWARD: Maureen & Alan Westwood
OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL DUTY: Ivor Stokle, Nick Powell, Victor Lane, Kathryn Lloyd, Martin Roberts, Dave Seale, Jim Lawrence, John Harris, Dai Arch, Strickland Family
CLUB OFFICIALS OF THE YEAR: Lisa Knott, Michael R Brooks, Tim East, Wesley Jones, Jackie Maguire, Roland Pugh, Andre Gilbert Jnr
FUND RAISERS OF THE YEAR: June Roberts, Sue Seale, Trish Cotterrell
CLUB MEMBERS OF THE YEAR: Maureen Westwood, Kim Allman, Fred, Sheila & Bec Baker, Gail, David & Victoria Allen, Bret, Jed & Nathan Strickland, Gill & Andrew Rees
UNSUNG HEROES OF 2015 Richard Owens, Richard & John Evans, Terry & Adrian Beaumont, Lee Price, Dave Shellam Jeff & Margaret Langford, Alan Westwood, Paul Havard, David Edwards, Keith Thomas, Graham Rees, Paul Hassell