AN ALCESTER horse racing business has won a prestigious national award to celebrate the most exemplary racehorse training yards in Britain.

Dan Skelton Racing beat off competition from trainers and racing yards across the country to be named winners of a top prize at the Lycetts Leadership and Team Champions Awards.

The team won the inaugural Lycetts Leadership Award, which celebrates trainers with exceptional leadership qualities.

The trainers and their teams were presented with their trophies, alongside a £4,000 cash prize for each yard, at a presentation ceremony during Breeders Day at Sandown Park Racecourse on September 15.

Dan Skelton, who also took home a Lycetts Excellence Award for Ensuring a Safe Working Environment, said he and his team were extremely proud.

He said: "Receiving this award recognises the whole team at Lodge Hill and the leadership style and positive working environment throughout.

"Inclusivity and development of staff is of the utmost importance to us and we always try to promote from within, where possible.

“We pride ourselves on providing a safe working environment for the staff, so it is great to be recognised in this area in particular.”

The National Trainers Federation (NTF) and Lycetts Insurance Brokers created the awards to celebrate the British racehorse training yards with the highest standards of employee management, leadership qualities and innovative working practices.

Piers Plunket, divisional director at Lycetts, said: “Lycetts is delighted to be supporting these awards once again and we offer our sincere congratulations to all of the winners.

“Given the challenging and eventful year for the industry, it is greatly encouraging to see yards not only upholding but exceeding high industry standards. A yard is only as good as its people and we wanted to shine a light on the dedication and continued commitment of these teams in helping the business – and the industry – thrive.”