Racing Reporter of the Year

The John Oaksey Trophy was introduced to the Derby Awards in 2012 as a second prize available to journalists. It looks back on those who have uncovered and produced the hard-hitting exclusives across the year and written the stories which prompt important conversations around the sport.

History was made in the tenth year of the award’s history when Nick Luck landed the top prize in its new format with his exclusive on the John Gosden and Frankie Dettori split. Previously, reporters had to provide three examples but only one is now required with hard-hitting exclusives getting the credit they deserve.

Luck’s story – taken on his self-titled podcast – was hailed as “top-class reporting.” He finished ahead of Jonathan Harding (Racing Post), Lee Mottershead (Racing Post), and Daragh Ó Conchúir (freelance).

John Oaksey
A celebrated amateur rider, who rode the runner-up Carrickbeg in the 1963 Grand National, John was a long-serving correspondent for the Daily Telegraph and the Horse & Hound, as well as a noted broadcaster for ITV and then Channel 4. He was also involved in the setting up of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

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