Cheltenham Racecourse today announced that Venetia Williams is the winner of this year’s award for ‘The Outstanding Contribution made by a Lady to Jump Racing’.
Venetia won the John Smith’s Grand National in 2009 with Mon Mome and in the same year added two more victories at The Festival at Cheltenham to her impressive CV.
The panel of judges, made up of several female professionals from different sides of the racing industry, had a tough job finding a winner, but Venetia emerged victorious in an incredibly tight vote. Others on the shortlist were Joan Moore, Jessica Harrington, Sally Alner, Clare Balding and equine therapist Belinda Cullen.
Commenting on the news, Edward Gillespie, Managing Director of Cheltenham, declared: “I am delighted that after a stellar year in a wonderful career Venetia Williams has been recognised in this way.
“The victory of Mon Mome in last year’s Grand National did as much as anything in the last 12 months to highlight the contribution that women make to the wonderful sport of Jump racing and it would be fitting if Venetia was able to add to her Festival tally next week.”
Venetia Williams said: “I’m honoured to have been chosen to receive this award, which owes much to the fantastic team that I work with at home and the loyal owners who have supported me over the years since I began training.”
The award will be presented in a ceremony before racing on Ladies Day, Thursday, March 18, in the winner’s enclosure at Cheltenham Racecourse.
