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By Graham Thomas
Geoff Lewis – the only Welsh jockey ever to ride a winner of the Derby – has picked up another trophy to add to his collection.
The 88-year-old – winner of the 1971 Derby on Mill Reef – was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Welsh Horse Racing Awards in Cardiff on Thursday night.
Lewis was one of three jockeys who picked up trophies, alongside current day riders Sean Bowen, who was crowned National Hunt Jockey of the Year, and David Probert, who was Flat Racing Jockey of the Year.
The other headline winners at the ceremony at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel were trainers David Evans and the pair Peter and Michael Bowen, who were Flat Racing Trainer of the Year and National Hunt Trainer of the Year, respectively.
The National Hunt Jockey of the Year is a hotly contested one!
The nominees are: @Sean_Bowen_ @james_bowen_ @jacktudor9 @BenJone04644251 pic.twitter.com/bgQtc8tlXa
— Chepstow Racecourse (@Chepstow_Racing) November 19, 2024
Lewis – who was born in Talgarth near Brecon – was a leading jockey on the flat throughout the 1960s and 70s, winning five Classics as well as the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1971, also on Mill Reef.
He retired as a jockey in 1979 before turning to training and achieving more success with almost 500 winners.
In his absence through illness, Lewis’s award was received by his daughter Mary and grandchildren Luci and Alex.
Bowen’s award comes after another successful year for the Pembrokeshire jockey who was runner-up to Harry Cobden last season in the Jump Jockeys’ Championship and is currently five clear of Harry Skelton and leading the Championship this season.
Probert, from Bargoed, lies seventh in the Annual Flat Jockeys Championship, having gone past the century mark for winners this year and currently stands on 109.
Trainer David Evans has had 37 winners this year on the flat, whilst Peter Bowen – father of Sean – and son Michael have enjoyed 33 winners so far in a Jumps Championship that runs from May to April.
WINNING SELECTION✅
NMW Racing gets off the mark this weekend courtesy of THE REVEREND (Advised @ 4/1, returned 4/1), who comfortably lands the competitive Chapel Down Handicap at Ascot for trainer William Haggas & jockey David Probert!
— Tipsters Empire (@TipstersEmpire) September 7, 2024
Libberty Hunter – who won twice in a novice campaign last season and was second in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham – was named Chaser of the Year for trainer Evan Williams.
The eight-year-old Libberty Hunter just edged out nominee Al Dancer, who won the Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton at the start of November with Welsh jockey Callum Pritchard on board, for Welsh trainer Sam Thomas.
Lump Sum was named Hurdler of the Year, Flat Racing Horse winner was Blue Prince, whilst Owner of the Year Awards went to Dai Walters (National Hunt) and Alan Peterson (Flat).
There was also an Outstanding Contribution Award for Welsh trainer Bernard Llewellyn.
