A YORKSHIRE-BASED apprentice rider is to be the beneficiary of a new scholarship set up in memory of Jan Wilson and fellow apprentice Jamie Kyne, who lost their lives in the Malton flats fire.
Beverley Racecourse has established the Kyne Wilson Scholarship, which will give the chosen rider a £4,000 boost for the whole of the 2010 season.
The package will help the jockey with fitness, correct riding attire, raising their profile within
the sport, improving confidence and helping to source on-course sponsorship.
The scholarship has the blessing of both Jan and Jamie's parents and the jockey who benefits will be helped in a number of ways.
Personal fitness trainer Sarah O'Meara, wife of former jump jockey David O'Meara, understands the lifestyle of a jockey and how to maximise fitness levels. Malton's White Rose Saddlery will provide the equipment and Beverley Racecourse will sponsor each jockey for one year - with racecourse branding being displayed on riding and other equipment.
There will also be access to a sports psychologist, while the racecourse will use their expertise to enable the jockey to find on-going sponsorship once the period of the scholarship ceases.
Sally Iggulden, Beverley Racecourse manager, said: "Staff at the racecourse, and regular racegoers to Beverley, were shocked and saddened by the tragic events that took the lives of Jan and Jamie back in September.
"We wanted to do something to celebrate their lives and it was felt that a scholarship which provided support and guidance to young jockeys would be a fitting tribute to them both.
"We are delighted that both families thought this was a good idea, and the scholarship will be a wonderful way of remembering two young riders who many believe would have gone on to make their mark in the sport of racing.
"Jamie was a regular rider at Beverley, achieving his first double here and, indeed, his last winner on Duchess Dora.
"Jan rode her first placed horse here, when partnering Bed Fellow to fourth place as an amateur rider in September 2008."
Iggulden continued: "The selection of an apprentice jockey is already underway and it is hoped that the first recipient of the Kyne Wilson Scholarship will be announced in early December.
"The selection process hopes to identify a keen apprentice, who has already shown a level of dedication to the sport, to whom the advantages of the scheme will be readily used to help progress their career.
"We here at Beverley are very excited about the scholarship and hope that the initial winner of this award will see a huge benefit from the extra resources that will be available to them."
