Nominations sought in memory of Tom Halliday

It was in July 2005 that young rider Tom Halliday was killed in a fall while riding at Market Rasen Racecourse.

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, the racecourse set up the Tom Halliday Scholarship through which a conditional jockey - one who is serving his or her apprenticeship - receives expert sessions on schooling, nutrition, and media training, plus coaching from staff at the Northern Racing College in Doncaster.

The first recipient, in the autumn of 2005, was Phil Kinsella, while Michael O'Connell was nominated three years ago. In 2007, David Cullinane became the third recipient. Twelve months ago, Tom's brother James was chosen.

Now Pip Kirkby, the Lincolnshire racecourse's managing director, is seeking the help of the public in selecting the fifth 'Tom Halliday Scholar'.

The search is launched at the family racing day this Sunday (5 July), which is sponsored by Lincolnshire bookmakers and long-time supporters of Market Rasen Racecourse, Don Noble. There will be plenty of entertainment laid on for children.

She said: "The racecourse is proud to stage the fourth running of the Tom Halliday Memorial Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle this Sunday. Ever since Tom Halliday's tragic death we've wanted to remember him positively and so many people, from Tom's family through to the Northern Racing College, leading trainers and racing professionals, have been hugely supportive.

"We could not possibly have wished for a worthier inaugural winner than Phil Kinsella. He has developed into an outstanding role model for any aspiring jockey both in and out of the saddle."

The scholarship is open to any conditional jockey, but ideally one who is based in either the Midlands or the North.

Visitors to the racecourse on Sunday are to be asked to nominate any rider whom they feel should be considered. Nominations can also be posted to the racecourse or emailed to pip.kirkby@jockeyclubracecourses.com.

Pip added: "We are blessed with a wonderfully knowledgeable jump racing crowd here at Market Rasen, and we felt this was an excellent chance to involve them."

The racecourse stages the only National Hunt racing in Britain this weekend, so the top trainers and jockeys can be expected to be on course.

Admission gates at the racecourse will be open at midday on Sunday 5 July. The first race is at 2.20pm. Premier Members £25; County Enclosure £18; Tattersalls £13; Family Enclosure £8; Picnic Car Park £5 per car + Family Enclosure admission per adult. Advance ticket sales via www.marketrasenraces.co.uk receive a ten per cent discount. Accompanied children 16 always admitted free of charge. Parking free. More information at www.marketrasenraces.co.uk.