Photograph of Katie Walsh wins top prize

An image of jockey Katie Walsh, by photographer Spencer Murphy, has been awarded first prize in a prestigious competition.

The picture of Katie beat more than 2,400 international contenders to take the annual Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2013, worth £12,000 to the winning photographer. It is now on show at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square, central London.

Kent-based photographer Spencer Murphy snapped the winning photograph of the top lady jockey after a race at Kempton Park. 

The picture was one of a series of jump jockeys’ portraits for Channel Four’s The Original Extreme Sport marketing campaign, which were used to promote the channel’s first Grand National showcase, all taken by Spencer.

Spencer said: “I wanted to show both Katie’s femininity and the toughness of spirit she requires, to compete against the best riders in one of the most demanding disciplines in horse racing.”

The winning portrait is on show at the National Portrait Gallery, London until 9 February 2014. For more information visit: http://www.npg.org.uk/

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