Artwork copyright Vineta Sayer. Photo copyright Phil Britt.
Nick Pearce has been named as the winner of the 2019 Robert Killen Chairman’s Award sponsored by Equestrian Art International.
A successful former Point to Point Jockey, Nick trained in East Sussex for several years before moving back closer to home taking charge of a satellite breaker and pre-training yard for Dan Skelton in Warwickshire. Since retiring from the saddle, Nick has been an enthusiastic supporter of young riders. His enthusiasm for this remains as strong as ever with Tristan Durrell and William Marshall two recent newcomers recently benefitting from his support. His passion for Pointing, and commitment to its future, are further underlined by his involvement in the development of the Croome & West Warwickshire’s new course at Shelfield Park where he is Clerk of the Course.
Explaining his reasons for choosing Nick as this year’s winner Robert Killen said
“Not only has Nick given much back to the sport in the form of support for new riders over many years, he has also shown ongoing commitment through his involvement in the development of the Croome & West Warwickshire’s new course. It is fantastic that, despite the challenges, there remains a huge amount of commitment to our sport’s future such as the Croome & West Warwickshire’s venture and I look forward to racing getting underway there in the 2019-2020 Season.”
Nick received a fabulous original oil painting of hounds by expressionist artist Vineta Sayer, from sponsor John Thorley who said
“News of a new course is great news for the sport of Point to Pointing, and, in a sport that is so firmly rooted in great traditions, it is fantastic to see members of the next generation such as Nick taking on key roles that will help to underpin Pointing’s future. Nick is undoubtedly a deserving winner of the this year’s award, we thoroughly enjoyed meeting him on the day and hope that he will enjoy his prize.”
The painting is one of a series of four “Trailblazers”, others, along with stunning racing art by Vineta Sayer, can be viewed by clicking here https://equestrianartuk.com/artists/vineta-sayer-ma/.
This award, launched by Robert in 2017, is intended to recognise current contributions that promote the visibility, or enhance the future, of Point-to-Pointing. It is open to the whole of the grassroots pointing community including not just owners and riders, but also officials, race day helpers, administrators, keepers. Everyone who contributes to the success of our sport. These wide eligibility criteria are a reflection of the PPORA’s commitment to support, strengthen and represent the whole of Pointing’s Grassroots.