Spirit of invention reflected down the years by stirring submissions

With a roll of honour that boasts future newspaper editors, racing correspondents for national titles and even a Classic-winning trainer, the Martin Wills Awards have more than fulfilled the aims laid down for them in the 25 years since Chris McGrath became the first recipient.

The 2017 edition will be the last as the Wills family look to pass the torch on to others after supporting young racing writers for a quarter of a century in memory of Martin Wills, a man animated by the twin passions of racing and journalism.

"Martin was was a journalist who worked for the Telegraph and Argus in Bradford and subbed for the Mail on Sunday and he also loved point-to-pointing," says his sister, Dr Catherine Wills, who has been a constant presence on both the board of trustees for the charity and the judging panel.