Pride of Racing Awards

On Thursday 14th July we had a rare afternoon away from the yard and went to The Betfair Pride of Racing Awards where we had a fantastic afternoon and evening at Epsom Racecourse.  Earlier this year I nominated Mr Gordon Giddings for a Pride of Racing Award for his dedication and enthusiasm to the breeding, training and owning of the thoroughbred.  As a jockey I knew Gordon’s name and his legacy and, since I have been training from Tytherington where we rent the yard from Gordon’s son, I have learnt so much more about his breeding operation and dedication to the sport and I felt he deserved a special award.  It was with great excitement that we travelled up to Epsom (incidentally Gordon had not been there before) to find out whether Gordon had indeed won an award. 

Proudly, most of the Giddings family came as well so there was a very lucky crowd of thirteen of us!  Mike Cattermole and Emma Spencer, in the presence of Princess Anne, hosted the awards and Gordon was thrilled to be introduced to Princess Anne on arrival.  Not their first meeting I might add as Gordon had been sent a mare by Princess Anne when he ran his stud enterprise, so there was a lot to talk about!  As I was watching the awards being given and knowing that there were only 6 awards and all 6 had been given out, I felt rather hollow that Gordon wouldn’t be getting an award but then Princess Anne took to the stage and it was announced that a very special award was being given – a lifetime achievement award. 

Our hearts pounded and indeed, Princess Anne awarded this very special award to an overwhelmed Gordon.  I have to say we were all rather emotional and I can assure you this award was richly deserved.  Below I have scanned in the article about Gordon, which appeared in the programme from the day and a few pictures from a memorable day.  Well-done Gordon!!

Mr & Mrs Gordon Giddings prior to the awards ceremony at Epsom Racecourse

Gordon Giddings receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award from HRH The Princess Royal

 

Gordon Giddings after receiving his award enjoying a glass of bubbly!

Incidentally I have been asked about Gordon’s stallions that he stood and just to include a few for interest:

New Member:      was the leading National Hunt sire for many seasons and sire of many top chasers including Henry Kissinger, which won the Mackeson Gold Cup. 

Dairialatan:            the sire of HM The Queen Mother’s Special Cargo which won The Whitbread Gold Cup.  He was also the sire of three Grand Military Gold Cup winners as well as the sire of many other National Hunt winners.

Impecunious:        (half brother to Busted).  Sired many winners including 2 Cheltenham festival winners.

Tudor Flame:        (half brother to Lanzarote)

Master Spiritus:  was the top eventing sire in the world for 10 years!