James Halliday wins Market Rasen’s Tom Halliday Memorial Scholarship

Market Rasen Racecourse’s 2008/2009 Tom Halliday Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to the late jockey’s younger brother, James.

The Tom Halliday Memorial Scholarship was introduced for conditional jockeys as a way of remembering Tom who died after a fall at Market Rasen in 2005.

James is the fourth recipient of the award and rides for trainer Malcolm Jefferson in North Yorkshire.

James said: “I am hugely touched by the decision of Market Rasen racecourse to choose me as the latest scholar. It means a huge amount to my family and ME. This is a great opportunity, and one that I will do everything in my power to benefit from.”

In July the racecourse asked racing fans and professionals to nominate conditional jockeys for the award and 21-year-old James was selected.

James will be supported by Market Rasen Racecourse for the next year and will get expert training in areas such as schooling, nutrition and media.

Pip Kirkby, the racecourse’s managing director, said: “It is clearly most poignant to give the award to James. Everyone consulted believes he is now ready to take full advantage of the scholarship and the opportunities it presents.”

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