Cheltenham award Nina's contribution

Cheltenham Racecourse announced today that Nina Carberry is the winner of the 2009 Award for 'The Outstanding Contribution made by a Lady to Jump Racing'.

Born on July 21, 1984, Nina Carberry has continued her family's fine tradition of riding at the highest level. Her father Tommy won numerous big races as a jockey including two Cheltenham Gold Cups and a Grand National on L'Escargot and is now a successful trainer, saddling Bobbyjo to victory in the 1999 Grand National. Her brothers Paul and Philip are also very successful Jump jockeys.

Nina has partnered three winners at The Festival. Her first victory came aboard Dabiroun in the 2005 Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle while she has won the latest two renewals of the Glenfarclas Cross Country Steeple Chase, partnering Heads Onthe Ground in 2007 and Garde Champetre in 2008.

Nina Carberry, commenting on the award, said "I'm thrilled to win this award, especially as it comes at The Festival, which is the pinnacle of our sport. To be chosen ahead of the other nominees is a real honour."

Andy Clifton, Cheltenham's Communications Manager, said: "Nina is a thoroughly deserving winner of this award, which is now in its third year. She is talented, personable, hard working and a great ambassador both for Jump racing and for Ladies in sport. Nina also has a great record of success at The Festival itself, which is an added bonus."

The panel of judges for this year's award consisted of Clare Balding, Ann Saunders and Gee Bradburne.

This year's final shortlist was completed by trainers Sally Alner, Henrietta Knight and Venetia Williams, former trainer Jenny Pitman and Carrie Humble, Founder and Director of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre.

Nina will be presented with her award before racing on Ladies Day, Thursday, March 12, in the Winner's Enclosure at Cheltenham Racecourse.