Entries now open for annual racing writing awards

Are you under 26 and love racing? Do you want to be a writer?

This year’s Wills Writing Awards are now open for entries.

The annual awards were started in 1993 in memory of journalist and amateur jockey Martin Wills. They are now in their 20th year and are for creative writing – fact or fiction – around a horseracing theme.

They are open to young people resident in the UK or the Republic of Ireland, with three categories: under 26, under 19 and under 15.

There is more than £3,000 in prize money across the three awards – as well as the opportunity to be published in the Racing Post and The Irish Field.

“The Wills Writing Awards offer a unique, once a year opportunity for any young writerwith an ounce of interest in racing or horses,” said H&H racing columnist Brough Scott who is chairman of the judges for the 10th consecutive year.

“In the direct words of the not entirely racing-orientated John McEnroe – if you miss them, you cannot be serious” he added.

Previous winners have gone on to work for the national and racing press, news agencies and the broadcast media.

Those aged under 26, 19 or 15 at January 1, 2012, are invited to submit a single article by 29 February.

The Awards will be announced and presented at Newmarket’s Craven Meeting on Wednesday 18 April.

For more information and to enter, visit: www.willswritingawards.co.uk.

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