THERE could be a new name on the trophy for Yorkshire’s leading jockey this year.

Once again, the SkyBet prizes for the county’s leading trainer and rider will be presented at the annual Go Racing In Yorkshire Awards Lunch, held at York Racecourse in November.

The prize is given to the rider and handler who produce the most winners on the eight Flat Yorkshire racecourses from the start of the Flat season next weekend until the end on November 10.

Last year, Silvestre De Sousa won the jockeys’ prize for the first time – his tally of 67 winners beating Paul Hanagan, who had taken the award for the previous four seasons, by ten.

But with both Hanagan and De Sousa having landed plum jobs, the former leaving Malton trainer Richard Fahey to ride as first jockey to Sheikh Hamdan, and De Sousa deputising for Frankie Dettori at Godolphin, it’s likely they will be riding less in the north – leaving the way open for a new face to take the crown.

In the trainer’s division, Great Habton handler Tim Easterby will look to retain his crown. His 51 winners on the Yorkshire tracks last season saw him take the leading trainer title for the fourth time.

The Go Racing In Yorkshire Awards Lunch also honours the top Yorkshire racehorse. This was won last year by Tangerine Trees, trained by Bryan Smart at Hambleton.