EPSOM TRAINERS SCOOP COVETED SIR DAVID PROSSER TROPHY

It is somewhat unusual for two racehorse trainers to be celebrating a dead heat, but this is the case for the latest dual winners of the Sir David Prosser Trophy, Simon Dow and Michael Attwater.

For the last two decades, an award has been presented to the leading Epsom trainer of the year.  Since 2014, the award has been named in honour of Sir David Prosser, former Legal & General CEO and unfaltering supporter of the Epsom Training Community, and it will continue to be named in his honour following his death in 2020.  The award takes into account every winner enjoyed by Epsom-based trainers, under both Flat and National Hunt rules, which for Simon and Michael was a total of 18 winners apiece in 2020. 

The trophy is usually presented at Epsom Downs racecourse as part of Racing Welfare’s prestigious Epsom Owners’ & Trainers’ Awards in November, however, the event had to be cancelled last year due to Covid-19.  Instead, the achievements of the two winning trainers have been recognised virtually, with an online presentation hosted by local raceday presenter and host Anthony Kemp.

Dawn Goodfellow, Racing Welfare Chief Executive said: “I am delighted that, despite losing the awards event itself, we are still able to recognise the success of two well-established trainers and stalwarts of the Epsom training community.  It is fantastic to see Simon and Michael share this award for 2020.”

Simon Durrant, Epsom Downs Racecourse General Manager said: “Given what has been an extreme and challenging year, it is brilliant that the Epsom Training Community has been able to celebrate continued success.”

 

You can watch a recording of the virtual presentation here.  The recording also includes an interview with Simon Dow and Michael Attwater who reflect upon what has been a tough year for the industry, as well as looking forward to greater things to come in 2021.