We are thrilled to announce the launch of the third year of the Awards for Young Writers on Horseracing on Monday 15th September 2025! The awards are open to young people aged 11 to 23 in the UK, for entries on horseracing subjects.
The Awards follow the Martin Wills Prize which ran for a number of years and launched the career of horseracing journalist and podcaster, Nick Luck (also a Trustee of the National Horseracing Museum).
All finalists and their participating settings will receive a Certificate of Participation. Thanks to the Wilmington Trust, our sponsors, there are two categories with generous prizes for winning entries:
- 16-23 years £1000 – up to 1200 words
- 15 years and under £500 – up to 700 words
New for 2025/6! The education charity, Racing to School, is delighted to support this year’s competition with a special prize for winning entries – the chance to take their class or study group for a fun, unique day of learning at the races! Find out more about their work at www.racingtoschool.co.uk. Winners will also be invited to bring their class or study group for a day visit to the National Horseracing Museum.
The closing date for entries will be midnight on 19th January 2026.
By taking part, young people will develop research skills and explore sports journalism writing styles and the winning entries will be published in the Racing Post.
Submitted essays will be judged by a range of specialists from the media, horseracing industry and the Wilmington Trust, including David Milnes from the Racing Post, Oli Bell and Rishi Persad from ITV Racing, John Blake from Racing to School and the Editor of the Newmarket Journal, Alison Hayes. The judging panel will be looking for winning entries showing journalistic skill, original content and exciting stories on horseracing subjects or current or past races.
A prize ceremony for shortlisted entries and winners will be held at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket with complimentary family passes to visit the museum in 2026.
Entries from children aged 11 and 12 years must be accompanied by a parent/guardian permission form.
To enter your submission or to find out more, email [email protected]
Take a look at last years winning entries…
Under 16s Lottie Corbett with her article ‘Nobody knows for sure’ – winning essay can be found here.
16-25s winner was Xander Brett with ‘A Glass Ceiling is Shattered at Tattersalls’ – winning essay can be found here.
Parent/Guardian Permission Form
