Patrick Mullins crowned racing writer of the year amid major Racing Post success at Derby Awards

Patrick Mullins and Edward Whitaker led the way as the Racing Post dominated the 58th Horserace Writers and Photographers Derby Awards on Monday.

Only a dead-heat in the emerging talent category prevented a clean sweep of all six prizes for writers and photographers.

Mullins was crowned racing writer of the year for the first time, claiming a title that has gone to a Racing Post writer every year since 2014.

The record-breaking amateur jockey and son of Willie Mullins, whose writing offers a unique insight into life riding and training at the highest level over jumps, is also the last winner of the Clive Graham trophy.

It was announced at the awards, which were staged at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London and backed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, World Pool and Coral bookmakers, that from next year the prize will be named after five-time winner Alastair Down, who died last month.

Patrick Mullins said: "This is incredible, I really didn't expect this. This is a huge honour, it's right up there with any Grade 1 or Cheltenham winners, maybe even more so because Willie doesn't train the newspaper."

Award-winning photographers Edward Whitaker (left) and Patrick McCann pictured with their prizesCredit: Francesca Altoft

Whitaker became the first person to win ten Derby Awards in the same category when he was judged to be photographer of the year for the first time since 2019. Post colleague Patrick McCann, who took that title in 2023, won picture of the year for the fourth time.

McCann said: "It's a typical National Hunt picture from Clonmel. But you'd put any of the nominees' pictures on the wall and it's hard to boil your sporting year down to two seconds' work."

Patrick McCann's award-winning photographCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Jonathan Harding became the first person to win an award in three different categories. Having previously come out on top in the emerging talent and specialist writer fields, he landed the John Oaksey trophy as reporter of the year.

Jonathan Harding landed the John Oaksey trophy as reporter of the yearCredit: Francesca Altoft

Harding said: "I'm shocked. Just to be nominated against the three others was a great achievement."

The specialist writer winner was Tom Peacock, who has covered bloodstock for the Post since 2019. Speaking from Hong Kong via video link, he said: "This is amazing. I wish I was there to thank the people who have been so supportive to me. I feel very grateful that I'm still able to make my hobby my job. It never really feels like work."

Joshua Stacey (left) and Conor Fennelly pictured with Megan Nicholls after sharing the Alan Lee trophy for emerging talentCredit: Francesca Altoft

But a complete whitewash was avoided when Irish-based Racing Post reporter Conor Fennelly shared the Alan Lee trophy for emerging talent with Joshua Stacey from Racing TV.

Fennelly said: "This is amazing, I was very surprised to be nominated. I must say a big thank you to everyone at the Racing Post for their pearls of wisdom over the last few years."

The Post's David Carr and his wife Emma were announced as the recipients of the President's Award for their work organising the awards over many years.

Racing TV's Lydia Hislop was broadcaster of the year for the third time since 2019, while retired Sky Sports Racing presenter Robert Cooper received the George Ennor Award for lifetime achievement.

Mullins was on stage earlier to receive the trainer of the year trophy on behalf of his father, while there was also recognition for Oisin Murphy (jockey of the year) and Juddmonte (owner).

The Racing Post enjoyed major success at the Derby Awards, courtesy of (from left) Patrick Mullins, Jonathan Harding, Edward Whitaker, Patrick McCann and Conor FennellyCredit: Francesca Altoft

Full list of HWPA Derby Award winners

Racing writer of the year (for the Clive Graham trophy) Patrick Mullins (Racing Post)

Photographer of the year Edward Whitaker (Racing Post)

Reporter of the year (for the John Oaksey trophy) Jonathan Harding (Racing Post)

Specialist writer of the year Tom Peacock (Racing Post)

Emerging talent award (for the Alan Lee trophy) Conor Fennelly (Racing Post) and Joshua Stacey

Picture of the year (for the Gerry Cranham trophy) Patrick McCann (Racing Post)

Broadcaster of the year (for the Peter O'Sullevan trophy) Lydia Hislop

President's Award David and Emma Carr

International trainer of the year Ralph Beckett

Trainer of the year Willie Mullins

Jockey of the year Oisin Murphy

Owner of the year Juddmonte

George Ennor trophy for outstanding achievement Robert Cooper

Arabian racing achievement award James Owen

Read more from Patrick Mullins:

'I think about her, and smile. As I always will when I do' 

'I want to be sick. I want to cry. I want to punch something. My golden opportunity has evaporated' 

'She's clearly knocked out. But her lips are also very pale, nearly blue. I begin to think something but then don't' 

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