Golden night for Silver Streak's trainer Evan Williams ahead of Fighting Fifth

Trainer Evan Williams and jockey Ben Jones received a timely boost ahead of big weekend targets when they were honoured at the second annual Welsh Horse Racing Awards.

Williams, whose Silver Streak takes on Buveur D'Air in the Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday, was trainer of the year after a season in which his yard won more prize-money than any other Welsh stable.

Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle card and betting

Champion Hurdle third Silver Streak was hurdler of the year and Williams, who beat Peter Bowen, David Evans and Tim Vaughan to the award, said: "It's a pleasure to have a horse to run in Grade 1s who deserves to be there."

Rising star of the future at a ceremony held at Chepstow racecourse on Thursday night was Ben Jones, who partners De Rasher Counter for Emma Lavelle in the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury on Saturday.

The son of Ffos Las clerk of the course Dai Jones had ridden just four winners before 2019-20 but has proved one of the season's leading conditional jockeys.

David Probert was jockey of the year while Sean Bowen and Connor Brace received special recognition for their rides on If The Cap Fits (Ryanair Stayers Hurdle) and Verdana Blue (Scottish Champion Hurdle).

Midlands Grand National winner Potters Corner was chaser of the year and Good Vibes, who took the Cornwallis Stakes, the top Flat horse.

The lifetime achievement award went to Milton Bradley who has been training for half a century.

Milton Bradley: lifetime achievement award

Chepstow executive director Phil Bell said: "Welsh racing is in great shape, a bit like the rugby team it's punching above its weight. It is a small nation and it outperforms its size."

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