Fallen Angel crowned Yorkshire Horse Of The Year

Fallen Angel was crowned the Yorkshire Horse Of The Year at the Tote-sponsored Go Racing In Yorkshire Annual Awards Lunch on Wednesday.

The grey trained in Middleham by Karl Burke, for owners Wathan Racing, won three successive Group One races during another superb season.

Fred Morley, representing the owners was on hand to collect the trophy. he said: “We started two years ago and didn’t see the operation growing as quickly as it has. She’s the filly of a lifetime and I’m honoured to be part of it.” 

Burke said: “She’s easy to train, the good ones always are.  It was evident early on that she was useful and winning the Matron Stakes (at Leopardstown) was a particular highlight.

“She’s staying in training and due back at Spigot next week.” 

Tim Easterby, Donald McCain, Jason Hart and Brian Hughes were among other winners when members of Yorkshire’s racing fraternity gathered at York Racecourse to celebrate the past year. 

Easterby crowned leading Flat trainer, with McCain top Jump trainer.  Hart was named leading Flat jockey for the first time, with Hughescrowned leading Jump jockey. 

Hart rodes more than 130 winners this year and in another first for the Yorkshire-based jockey, was crowned Cock O’ The North. 

Claire Sutcliffe, who collected the leading jockey prize on behalf of her son-in-law, Brian Hughes, said: “He’s a keen family man, driven and a very hard worker.  He asked me to thank all the trainers and owners who have supported him over the years.” 

Mason Paetel, landed the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice Series, sponsored by White Rose Saddlery.  The Newmarket-based jockey had five rides in the series, winning two and being placed in two, culminating in 48 points. 

He said: “It’s great to have a series like this to aim for and I’m really grateful to my agent, Chris Dixon for supplying me with plenty of rides.” 

The top performance awards were chosen by the public, from a shortlist put forward by the racecourses. 

Jump ride of the season went to Richie McLernon for his cool winning ride on Petit Tonnerre at Doncaster, while the training performance went to Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero for their treble, also at Yorkshire’s most southerly track. 

On the Flat, Joanna Mason, won the vote for her ride on Hucklesbrook at York in June and the training performance went to Malton-based Declan Carroll for winning the Gimcrack with Lifeplan at the Sky Bet Ebor Festival. 

“We always thought he was a nice horse,” said Carroll of Lifeplan. “We had high expectations for him.  It’s nice he’s delivered. He always stood out and had natural ability. We’re going to aim him for the Guineas and probably have a warm-up in the Craven.”  

Milestones were awarded to Kevin Ryan for training over 2,000 winners and to Hart for riding his 1,000th winner. 

Alex Frost, Chief Executive of the Tote said: “We are delighted to join Yorkshire’s racing community at the Go Racing In Yorkshire annual lunch. This is always a really special occasion celebrating some of British racing’s leading stars and performances of the year across Yorkshire’s wonderful racecourses. A big congratulations to all of the winners!” 

Ben Warn, Chairman of Go Racing In Yorkshire said: “We’ve had another great year of racing in the county and we’ve got a lot to celebrate.  There have been big Yorkshire successes across the country and even across the world with winners in Ireland, France, Germany and even Bahrain! 

“At home, our nine Yorkshire racecourses have put on some excellent sport and there is no doubt that racegoers will have made some wonderful memories. 

“We’re grateful to the whole of the racing community who collaborate with us and support us throughout the year and we look forward to working with everyone again next year.”