TWO stable staff members from Mark Johnston's yard were shortlisted for awards that recognise hard work in the horse-racing industry.

Alfie Mills and Emma Dwyer, who work at Johnston's stables in Middleham, were recognised at the tenth annual Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

Mills was a finalist in the Rider and Groom category, while Dwyer was a finalist for the David Nicholson Newcomer Award.

The prizes were announced at a gala evening compered by Clare Balding at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London last night, with the awards presented by 18-time champion jockey Tony McCoy.

Mills is a rider and groom and has worked in the racing industry since 1969, while Dwyer is the assistant yard manager.

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HEXHAM Racecourse will host a Cheltenham Preview evening on Wednesday, March 5 in their Henderson Suite.

The night, which starts at 7.30pm, will feature a panel of Gordon Brown, a presenter on Racing UK, Peter Buchanan, a professional National Hunt jockey, and Andy Richmond, a Racing UK pundit and analyst.

Entry is £15 per person, which includes entry, a programme, a light supper and a guest panel discussion.

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DONCASTER'S jumps season comes to a climax this weekend with a two-day meeting featuring the William Hill Grimthorpe Chase on Saturday, a race that has an excellent record of attracting a host of Grand National contenders.

A handicap contest over three-and-a-quarter miles, the Grimthorpe Chase offers prize money of £50,000 and last year’s winner was Quentin Collonges, who went on to win the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown Park on the final day of the jumps season.

Other notable recent winners include Run For Paddy, who went on to win the Scottish Grand National, and Grey Abbey, who also followed up in the Ayr marathon.