By Nicky Hewitt
Owners, Jockeys and Trainers celebrate their successes at The Midlands Awards Dinner Dance.
102 guests turned up at Shearsby Bath Hotel on Saturday September 23rd 2017 to join in the celebrations at the 27th running of the Midlands Area Point-to-Point Association’s Awards.
This Award presentation has been very kindly sponsored and attended by Mr Mark and Mrs Pat Barthorpe for an amazing 24 consecutive years. Sadly this time though Mark was unable to attend as he was unwell but pleased to say he is now out of hospital and is recovering well.
Master of Ceremonies Nick Pomfret kept everyone very well entertained throughout the evening and also helped to raise £270 for the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Winning presentations were accompanied by videos kindly put together by David Jones who, ably supported by his wife Barbara, has kindly supplied the photographs with this report.
Some of the Trophies are on their second plinth now so that we can keep adding on the latest annual winners. Reading the names on them really does bring back some pretty special memories of both horses and jockeys, Particularly those who managed to win them two or three years running.
Leading Rider Tom Strawson and Pat Barthorpe
Pat Barthorpe presenting Leading Horse Trophy to owner Mr John Chatfeild-Roberts who also won the Leading Family Trophy with Warden Hill.
Leading Lady Rider Sophie Walker and Pat Barthorpe. Sophie was also 2nd in the Leading Novice Rider category
First season Riders Joanna Hewitt and Philip Armson, both 17, who both managed to ride a winner this season. Joanna was third in the Leading Lady Rider award.
L-R: Will Crowther, Greg Purcell, Fergus Gregory, India Gowling, Joanna Hewitt and last season’s Leading Rider Tom McClorey