Welsh Racing Awards Honor Derby Winner Geoff Lewis

Geoff Lewis, the sole Welsh jockey to achieve a Derby victory, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Welsh Horse Racing Awards. The 88-year-old, who rode Mill Reef to win the 1971 Derby, received recognition at the annual ceremony held in Cardiff. Lewis was one of three jockeys to collect trophies, alongside current riders Sean Bowen, who was named National Hunt Jockey of the Year, and David Probert, who earned the title of Flat Racing Jockey of the Year. Other award recipients included trainers David Evans, recognized as Flat Racing Trainer of the Year, and the team of Peter and Michael Bowen, who were jointly awarded National Hunt Trainers of the Year. Lewis, born in Talgarth, near Brecon, was a leading flat jockey throughout the 1960s and 70s. His notable wins include five Classics and the 1971 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, also aboard Mill Reef. He retired from jockeying in 1979, subsequently transitioning to training where he achieved further success with nearly 500 winners. Due to illness, Lewis was absent, and his award was accepted by his daughter Mary and grandchildren Luci and Alex. Bowen’s award follows another successful year for the Pembrokeshire jockey, who finished as runner-up to Harry Cobden in last season’s Jump Jockeys’ Championship and is currently leading this season’s standings, five clear of Harry Skelton. Probert, from Bargoed, is currently seventh in the Annual Flat Jockeys Championship, having surpassed 100 winners this year and now standing at 109. Trainer Evans has recorded 37 flat winners this year, while Peter Bowen, Sean’s father, and his son Michael have accumulated 33 winners so far in the Jumps Championship, which runs from May to April. Libberty Hunter, who secured two wins in a novice campaign last season and placed second in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, was named Chaser of the Year for trainer Evan Williams. The eight-year-old Libberty Hunter narrowly beat nominee Al Dancer, who won the Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton in early November with Welsh jockey Callum Pritchard riding, for Welsh trainer Sam Thomas. Lump Sum was designated Hurdler of the Year, Blue Prince was named Flat Racing Horse winner, and the Owner of the Year Awards were presented to Dai Walters for National Hunt and Alan Peterson for Flat racing. An Outstanding Contribution Award was also bestowed upon Welsh trainer Bernard Llewellyn.