Budding racing writers on your marks

Budding racing writers on your marks: applications are now open for a creative writing competition with a racing theme and £3,000 in prize-money.

The Wills Young Writers’ Awards, established in 1993 in memory of amateur jockey and journalist Martin Wills, is for enthusiastic young writers looking to get their name in print and a substantial amount of pocket money.

There are three categories to the competition; under 26, under 19 and under 15, and previous winners have gone on to national and regional racing press, news agencies and broadcast.

The award is for a piece of creative writing, fact or fiction, which relates to any aspect of racing, with the most original and imaginative pieces swooping the prize.

The competition is to be judged by several successful journalists, including Mark Costello, Deputy Editor of The Irish Field, Ireland’s leading racing publication, Charlie Brooks, Countryside Editor of The Daily Telegraph and Brian Viner, best selling author and a features writer and columnist for The Independent.

Brian Viner said, “It is great to be part of something which gives young people opportunities. This is a tremendous way to get yourself noticed and I advise you to get your entries in early.”

Articles must be submitted by 28 February. For more information visit www.willswritingawards.co.uk

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