Derby Awards salvaged with TV show on Sky Sports Racing in December

The Horserace Writers and Photographers Association has announced the 2020 Derby Awards will be staged on Sky Sports Racing on December 10.

The awards programme, supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, will be hosted by Martin Kelly and takes the place of the usual lunch in London, whichhas had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Marcus Townend, HWPA president, said: "We're extremely grateful to Sky Sports Racing for agreeing to host the 2020 Derby Awards, and to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their continued support.

"It has been a difficult year for racing but we felt it was important that the Derby Awards were still staged in some way so that we could recognise the achievements of the participants and those in the media who broadcast, report and photograph the sport."

Rob Dakin, head of racing at Sky Sports Racing, said: "The HWPA Derby Awards is always a highlight of the year. Sky Sports is delighted to support the awards in 2020 with a specially produced programme."

George Irvine, commingling development director at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: "These are very difficult times and although it's a shame we're not able to meet up for the normal awards ceremony, the Hong Kong Jockey Club are delighted to continue supporting the HWPA Derby Awards on Sky Sports Racing."

Joe Osborne publishes Poise and Stride

Godolphin managing director Joe Osborne has published a book of 41 short essays entitled Poise and Stride which is based on his observations on business, entertainment and sport during his 40-year career in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.

The essays were initially written as contributions to the Godolphin Flying Start quarterly newsletter Time Flies and developed into a book over the past few months.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Racing Academy and Centre of Education (Race) in Kildare Town.

The academy, a registered charity, was established as a social project in 1973 by Joe's father Michael Osborne along with Stan Cosgrove and Derek O'Sullivan.

The foreword is written by Race graduate, former champion jockey turned trainer Johnny Murtagh and the book is illustrated throughout by Declan Considine.

Poise and Stride is available to purchase for €20 (plus postage) by emailing Race at poiseandstride@racingacademy.ie or phoning their office on +353 45 522468.

IJF Christmas cards on sale

Covid-19 may have changed much about 2020 and put the possibility of Christmas with loved ones in danger, but one constant that does remain is the opportunity to send an Injured Jockeys Fund Christmas card.

The racing tradition enters its 56th year and IJF chief executive Lisa Hancock said: "The whole racing community is used to seeing the cheerful smile of Lady Oaksey standing on racecourses in all weathers. But, this year, the coronavirus has put paid to that. It's therefore so important to the work that we do that those sales now come in online and over the phone and we urge people to support us as they always do.

"In putting together our cards, calendars and beautiful range of gifts, we've also tried to source from the UK where possible to support UK businesses at this challenging time, plus to be as environmentally friendly as we possibly can."

Cards and other gifts can be purchased at: www.shop.ijf.org.uk

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