Laura Horsley wins the 2022 Toby Balding Award
The National Trainers Federation (NTF) announced yesterday that Laura Horsley is the 2022 recipient of the Toby Balding Award.
Congratulations Laura!
The annual award, worth £3000, supports the development of young people in the British horse racing industry. It offers an exciting opportunity for ambitious employees in British racing yards to train for new skills and take their career forward.
Laura set out on her racing journey aged 13 working in her holidays for Rebecca Curtis and she has steadily built up a portfolio of experience, skills and qualifications as opportunities arose. Laura has worked for trainers Stuart Kittow and Jack Barber, as well as a spell with Exeter Racecourse. She is currently working for Harry and Ciara Fry in Dorset, where she has progressed to be Travelling Headperson.
Expressing her delight, Laura said, “I’m absolutely speechless for the first time in my life! I would like to say a huge thank you to my bosses Harry and Ciara Fry for their support in my application and of course the NTFCT for selecting me as this year’s winner of the Toby Balding Award. I can’t put into words how much it means to me, and I can’t wait to get enrolled on all the courses I have in my mind and start making my dreams reality.”
Rupert Arnold, Chairman of the NTF Charitable Trust commented, “Laura has shown great dedication to her personal development by already supporting herself through industry training. It is even more pleasing to hear how much this award means to her.
“Opportunities for young people in an unpredictable job market attract a huge amount of interest and this award will ensure that Laura can undertake training and gain valuable qualifications to help her stand out and give her the confidence to achieve her goals.”
Laura will be supported by CATS (the industry’s careers and training services) to help her plan her training and guide her throughout the year.
A public presentation will be made to Laura at Sandown Park Racecourse on Breeders Day in September. At the same event the 2022 Lycetts Leadership and Team Champions Awards will be presented.
The NTF launched the award for racing staff in memory of the late Toby Balding, who as a trainer was dedicated to the support and development of young people in the horse racing industry.
It is funded by the National Trainers Federation Charitable Trust (NTFCT) from a donation made by the Adrian Swire Charitable Trust in memory of Toby Balding and is presented to a member of racing staff who demonstrates a desire to further his or her career in the horseracing industry
The Toby Balding Award offers an exciting opportunity for ambitious employees in British racing yards to widen their knowledge and train to acquire new skills. There is more about the award here.
For more information, please contact Rupert Arnold, NTF Charitable Trust Chair, on 07899 797010. E-mail: rupert.arnold@outlook.com
For more information on the National Trainers Federation, please go to www.racehorsetrainers.org
