Lydia Hislop crowned Broadcaster of the Year at HWPA Awards

Lydia Hislop was crowned Broadcaster of the Year for the second time in three years on a successful day for Racing TV at the 55th annual Horserace Writers' & Photographers' Association Derby Awards in London on Monday.

Hislop was first crowned Broadcaster of the Year in 2019, 12 months prior to Racing TV’s Nick Luck scooping the award for the eighth time, and edged out a number of her colleagues this year - Rishi Persad, Stewart Machin and Nick Luck – as well as John Hunt, Jamie Lynch and Ken Pitterson.

Hislop is a regular presenter on Racing TV and hosts the popular Road To Cheltenham show with Ruby Walsh, plus also writes the Road To Cheltenham column on racingtv.com. While Hislop is best known for her presenting and writing skills, she also provides media training for aspiring jockeys at the British Racing School.

Shortly before Hislop was announced as Broadcaster of the Year, Racing TV’s Jess Stafford was awarded the Alan Lee Trophy for Emerging Talent in front of more than 600 lunch guests at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, in a ceremony organised by the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association.

Stafford joined Racing TV as a presenter 12 months ago, and the HWPA judges described her submission as “A strong portfolio, showcasing her interviewing skills and way of making a subject easy to understand.”

Covid-19 meant that last year’s Derby Awards were presented remotely - the winners received a belated accolade on stage on Monday - and HWPA President David Cleary said: “It is tremendous to be able to stage the lunch and the awards after a two-year gap and I must thank all those who made it possible, notably our sponsors the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Coral and Vertem Asset Management.

“It has been a difficult couple of years for many of our members but the aim of these awards is to showcase the very best racing writing, photography and broadcasting and I’m delighted that this year’s winners - and the nominees - really fit that bill.”

International Trainer of the Year – Charlie Appleby

Picture of the Year – Francesca Altoft

The Arabian Racing Achievement Award – Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum

John Oaksey Trophy for Racing Reporter of the Year – Chris Cook (Racing Post)

Owner of the Year – Emma Banks

Flat Jockey of the Year – William Buick

HWPA President’s Award – John Hanmer

Alan Lee Trophy for Emerging Talent - Jess Stafford (Racing TV)

Jump Trainer of the Year – Henry De Bromhead

Flat Trainer of the Year – Charlie Appleby

Jump Jockey of the Year – Rachael Blackmore

Peter O’Sullevan Trophy for Broadcaster of the Year – Lydia Hislop (Racing TV)

Specialist Writer of the Year - Ian Carnaby

George Ennor Trophy for Outstanding Achievement – Richard Johnson

Photographer of the Year – Patrick McCann (Racing Post)

Clive Graham Trophy for Racing Writer of the Year – Lee Mottershead (Racing Post)