Goffs UK award Willie Stephenson memorial trophy to Karl Burke

Trainer Karl Burke was awarded the Willie Stephenson memorial trophy by Goffs UK at the company's breeze-up sale this week.

The award, named in honour of one of the founders of Goffs UK (earlier DBS), recognises those who have made the biggest contribution to the fortunes of the company in the preceding year.

Burke, a longstanding supporter of Goffs UK, has enjoyed conspicuous success with horses bought in the Doncaster ring in recent seasons.

Five-time Group 1 heroine Laurens was a £220,000 Premier Yearling Sale graduate, while top sprinter Quiet Reflection was a £44,000 breeze-up purchase.

Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby presented the award in his role as the second successor to Willie Stephenson as Goffs UK chairman and he commented: “Karl has been a huge supporter of our sales, both as a horses-in-training vendor and a purchaser, and we are delighted to present him with the Willie Stephenson memorial trophy.

“Karl’s dedication to his craft has deservedly seen him reap big rewards, more recently with Quiet Reflection providing him with his first Royal Ascot winner in the Commonwealth Cup and Laurens giving him his first Classic victory in the Prix de Diane last season.

“Both horses have been a resounding success, Laurens in particular being probably the best horse to come from our Premier Yearling Sale, and are a testament to his ability as a trainer. We will see more of Laurens this season and we wish Karl and his team all the best for the season ahead.”

Previous recipients of the Willie Stephenson memorial trophy are Clive Cox, Eddie O'Leary, Angus Gold and Nicky Henderson.

Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale report