After another terrific year on the flat, Oisin Murphy registered further success as he was crowned Flat Jockey of the Year at the Stobart Lesters on Friday evening in London.
Murphy's award was part of a brilliant evening hosted by leading racing presenters Luke Harvey and Hayley Moore where nine awards were presented at the prestigious annual event which took place at the Park Plaza at Westminster Bridge.
Having previously received recognition for the most winners in a calendar year on the flat, where he confirmed the Stobart Leading Rider, his status from other jockeys was only enhanced despite his second place finish to last year's winner Silvestre De Sousa in the domestic jockeys title.
For those who aren't aware, Murphy rode 198 winners domestically throughout 2018 but over 200 oversees wins if those are taken into account which gives you a brief idea of how well represented he is around the racing world. Moreover, he notched up a total of nine winners at Group 1 level which is fascinating in itself.
A total of nine awards were awarded throughout the evening which saw the likes of Richard Johnson receive the Stobart Jump Jockey of the Year for a third successive year, James Bowen awarded the Racing Excellence Conditional Jockey of the Year, and At The Races Jump Ride of the Year award for his ride on Raz de Maree in the Coral Welsh National in January.
On the flat, after an impressive season, Jason Watson won the Weatherbys Bank Apprentice Jockey of the Year award which only added to the great news he has receive in recent weeks having been confirmed number one rider for Roger Charlton next year and becoming Champion Apprentice.
The awards didn't end there with Nicola Currie riding out her claim with a grand total of forty-five victories on the flat and she went on to receive Great British Racing Lady Jockey of the Year.
Finally, Eoin Walsh, George Baker and Andrew Thornton were others to pick up notable awards which capped off a terrific night for the sport.
All in all the evening only improved the reputation racing is building, and Paul Struthers, a chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said: "It was fantastic to see our younger members dominate proceedings and the amount of young talent in the weighing room bodes well for the future of the sport."
He also went on to add. "I know everyone in the room was delighted to see George and Andrew pick up their respective Special Recognition awards. Any of the nominees would have been worthy winners but I doubt anyone would have begrudged the result."
This makes it clear how far the sport has progressed and confirms the future is bright for upcoming jockeys looking to continue their development.
Below is a round-up of the Winners at the Stobart Lesters 2018
Lady Jockey of the Year Nicola Currie
Apprentice Jockey of the Year Jason Watson
Conditional Jockey of the Year James Bowen
Flat Jockey Special Recognition George Baker
Flat Ride of the Year Eoin Walsh on Storm Lightning at Wolverhampton on September 22
Jump Ride of the Year James Bowen on Raz de Maree at Chepstow on January 6
Jump Jockey Special Recognition Andrew Thornton
Flat Jockey of the Year Oisin Murphy
Jump Jockey of the Year Richard Johnson
Credit: Racing Post