Heather Atkinson Wins Cheltenham Ladies' Award

Cheltenham Racecourse today announces that Heather Atkinson has become the first winner of the Award for ?The Outstanding Contribution made by a Lady to Jump Racing'.

Heather, the Senior Nurse in the Jockeys' Hospital at Cheltenham Racecourse for over 30 years, was the clear choice of the judging panel made up of Zara Phillips, Clare Balding and Gee Bradburne.

She emerged victorious from a shortlist that also included Henrietta Knight, Venetia Williams, Dinah Nicholson, Carrie Humble (founder of the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre), Nina Carberry and Helen Donnelly (a key member of stable staff in several yards over the past 18 years).

Commenting on the news, Edward Gillespie, Managing Director of Cheltenham, said: 'I am thrilled that Heather has been chosen as the first winner of this award. She is one of the few people who work here to pre-date my arrival, and generations of jockeys have benefited from her skill and her cheerful, calm and professional manner.'

Heather Atkinson added: 'I'm absolutely overwhelmed to have been chosen as the winner of this award. I was flattered and amazed to have been nominated but when I heard the shortlist I thought there was no chance that the judges would choose me.

'The last 30 years or so has flown by and I'm lucky to have worked with a wonderful bunch of Jump jockeys and the great team of medical staff at the racecourse.'

Heather will receive her award in a ceremony before racing on Ladies Day, Thursday, March 15, in the Winner's Enclosure.