Market Rasen Racecourse news: Search for the new Tom Halliday scholar begins

Tuesday 23 August: Market Rasen Racecourse has launched its annual search for the young jockey who will be the new Tom Halliday Memorial Scholar.

The award, through which a rising conditional jump racing jockey is sponsored by the racecourse and receives support and advice in areas such as schooling, nutrition and media training from acknowledged experts, is named in memory of Tom Halliday (pictured), who died in 2005 at the age of 20 after a fall at the Lincolnshire track.  It has the full support of the Halliday family.

The scholarship - with support from the Northern Racing College in Doncaster - is designed to give a promising young rider a 'leg up' in his or her career, and it is hoped that the winner will be seen in action riding at Market Rasen Racecourse throughout the year.

The racecourse has asked the public, as well as racing professionals, to nominate suitable candidates.
The racecourse's managing director Pip Kirkby said: "Everyone at the racecourse has been delighted with the success of this award as a positive memorial to Tom.

"It means a lot to those who receive it, and we very much intend to include the views of senior jockey Dominic Elsworth, a long time friend of the Halliday family, as well as Tom's brother James in making the decision as to who should be the next scholar.

"Our racegoers at Market Rasen are knowledgeable and supportive and I hope they, as well as trainers, jockeys and others in the sport, will nominate potential scholars.  The most important thing, to us, is that the recipient comes from an area where he or she would hope to pick up rides at Market Rasen during the year."
Anyone is welcome to send in a nomination.  They should be sent by email to pip.kirkby@jockeyclubracecourses.com or by letter to Market Rasen Racecourse, Legsby Road, Market Rasen LN8 3EA.

The closing date for nominations is Monday 19 September.  The name of the new scholar will be announced at the racecourse's Prelude fixture on Saturday 24 September.

Previous Tom Halliday Memorial Scholars are: Phil Kinsella (2005); Michael O'Connell (2006); David Culinane (2007); James Halliday (2008); Oliver Williams (2009); Joe Cornwall (2010).

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For further information please contact:
Pip Kirkby, managing director, at Market Rasen Racecourse, on 01673 843434 or 07796 996081