Sedgefield Racecourse is thrilled to announce the 2017 champions of the Beat the Best and the Best Turned Out Competitions. Both introduced in 2016 to reward loyal and supportive racehorse trainers and stable yards.

On Sunday 31 January 2016, the Beat the Best competition was established at a tribute to Denys Smith as he celebrated with family and friends to reminisce of his successful career. Having had a huge success as a racehorse trainer, the competition was introduced to incentivise trainers to beat Denys’s benchmark of 145 total wins at Sedgefield alone, and to attract more competitive racing at his local track.

After recording the number of wins from Sedgefield’s loyal and long supporting Trainers, it was Brian Ellison who placed first with a total of 104 Sedgefield wins. Brian Ellison currently has over 120 horses in training at his Training Yard in Malton and has so far trained over 1000 winners.

Another competition was introduced to reward loyal Stable Yards which is judged by race sponsors for the work and effort by stable grooms and staff, who present their horses in the parade ring prior to the race. Donald McCain’s stable yard comfortably took the lead once again with 23 best turned out horses, beating 2nd place by 10 points! Donald McCain has 100 horses in training at his Stable Yard in Cheshire.

Prizes, including luxury hampers, polos and carrots for the horses and ARC annual badges plus much more, will be presented on Thursday 22 February.

Sedgefield Racecourse wish to thank all of their loyal Owners, Trainers and Stable Yards for their long-term and continued support and would like to take this opportunity to remind all that the competitions have now re-opened for 2018.

Information on the Durham County Cricket Club Raceday or book tickets visit www.sedgefield-racecourse.co.uk or call 01740 621925.