CHELTENHAM racecourse, along with Exeter, Warwick and Wincanton, last night announced a new series of racing awards to be known as 'The McCoys'.

Participants at all four courses between September 20, 2016 and May 25, 2017 will be eligible for awards in a number of categories including owners, trainers, jockeys and stable staff as well as The McCoy Award for outstanding achievement.

Sir A P McCoy, the now-retired record-breaking 20-time champion jump jockey, said: "I'm delighted that the new Jockey Club South West region awards are to be called the McCoys."

The awards themselves will be announced on Friday, October 27, 2017, the evening of the first raceday of the season at Cheltenham.