Racing celebrates at the Derby Awards

The Derby-winning team of owner the Aga Khan, trainer John Oxx and jockey Johnny Murtagh were among the recipients at the 2000 Derby Awards lunch in London on 4 December.

The Horserace Writers Association stages this premier award ceremony for the racing community each year. Members of the association vote to find the winner in each category.

The Aga Khan, whose Sinndar brought off the unique treble of the Derby, the Irish Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, not only won the Owner of the Year but was also voted International Personality.

John Oxx, the man responsible for producing Sinndar, was Trainer of the Year and his jockey Johnny Murtagh won the George Ennor Trophy for his contribution to the season.

Kevin Darley, the first northern-based champion jockey since 1905, was presented with Jockey of the Year.

Five-times champion Tony McCoy was Jumps Jockey of the Year and Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Noel Chance received the award for Jumps Trainer of the Year.

Ray Cochrane, whose flat riding career was brought to a close through injury, received the President’s Trophy in recognition for his bravery in rescuing fellow jockey Frankie Dettori from the plane crash in which the pilot died last summer.

Alan Amies, who retired last week after 35 years as a racereader with Raceform, was Journalist of the Year. Scotland-based John Grossick was Photographer of the Year.