Read the pieces that have put Post reporters in running for Writer of the Year

Eight Racing Post journalists are among those hoping to come out on top at the 53rd Horserace Writers & Photographers Association Derby Awards (HWPA) on Monday.

Lee Mottershead received nominations for two awards, the Clive Graham Trophy for the Racing Writer of the Year, an award he won in 2011, as well as Reporter of the Year, while the Racing Writer of the Year category also features Peter Scargill, who receives his first nomination.

Ultimate members can read the submissions that earned Lee Mottershead and Peter Scargill their Racing Writer of the Year nominations. Not a member? Sign up here

Kayley Woollacott: 'Lalor has shone so much light - he will forever be our hero'Lee's interview with Kayley Woollacott recounted the devastating story of her partner Richard's depression and suicide, and how a star horse brought happiness back into her family's life

Mick Appleby: 'I had one owner who was homophobic - he moved five horses but I won't grovel'Lee spoke to the openly gay trainer about an emotional rollercoaster ride that has seen him attempt suicide before starting to love life again

Equine flu crisis: what the key players did over a remarkable 24 hoursIt was the nightmare that rocked racing to its core – and Lee found out what the likes of Donald McCain, Nick Rust, Brant Dunshea and David Sykes were doing during a dramatic time

Ryan Moore: examining the two faces of the world's number one jockeyAs part of our brilliant Tuesday Profiles series, Peter spoke to those who know Ryan Moore to find out just what makes this most fascinating of characters tick

Special report: inside the most expensive racing club in the worldPeter's investigation into the China Horse Club, who hit gold with Triple Crown hero Justify, reveals an exclusive group founded by a billionaire with designs on domination

Special report: how a catastrophic welfare storm brought US racing to its kneesCompleting our look at the state of American racing, Peter discovered that a raging welfare debate is taking a big toll on the sport

The Post's former bloodstock editor Chris McGrath (Thoroughbred Daily News) is also on the shortlist with freelancer Kevin Blake, who was also nominated for the new Specialist Writer Award.

Industry editor and previous winner Bill Barber joins Mottershead in the nominations for Reporter of the Year, alongside Chris Cook (The Guardian) and Marcus Townend (Daily Mail).

Racing Post tipster Paul Kealy joins Blake on the Specialist Writer Award shortlist, with Matt Bisogno and Simon Rowlands also on the list.

In the emerging talent category, young Racing Post journalists Mark Boylan and Jonathan Harding have been nominated. Harry Allwood (Racing TV), Paddy Von Behr (The Times), Alayna Cullen (Thorougbred Daily News) and Ronan Groome (The Irish Field) are in contention for the inaugural award.

Racing Post photographers Edward Whitaker and Patrick McCann have two nominations each, in the Photographer and Picture of the Year categories.

The Derby Awards, which are supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Coral, Ladbrokes and Vertem Asset Management take place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

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