Mr Richard Lingwood was honoured for his dedication to working in the Racing Industry today at Pontefract Racecourse. He was the recipient of the Lifetime in Racing award which was given after the 3.30pm race, named ‘Richard Lingwood – A Lifetime in Racing handicap’ in his honour.

Richard was born in Norfolk in 1944 and at the tender age of 9 years old for his birthday was dragged down to his local riding school by his cousin Tina. He then progressed from there to his first job working for an international show jumper at Rutland.

Yorkshire saw the arrival of Richard in 1961 when he started work with Major J Hudson where he travelled and hunted the Northern show jumping circuit. It was in the early 70’s when Maj Hudson bought a stallion called Count Albany and this is when Norton Grove Stud was born.

Richard, his wife Maggie and family have operating the stud since 1995 when they inherited Maj Hudson’s share after his sudden death.

The business has been lucky enough to stand good stallions including Derby winner Morston, St Leger Group 1 winner Bollin Eric, Winter Derby winner Gentleman’s Deal, Presidium , Timeless Times winner of 1995 TBA Leading British-based First-Season sire award and is now Standing Monsieur Bond and MilK It Mick. The stud has also has a good share of their own brood mares, the most memorable being Aurigny winner and placed listed races and second Prix D’Robert Papin, group 2 beaten by a nose!

On average Richard foals 60 plus mares a season with the help of his wife, daughters Tina, Jessica, Laura and son-in-law Tim. Their record for most foals in a season is an impressive 89.

Richard is a dedicated football fan of the canaries, Norwich City having spent time at Carrow Road with his Dad as a young lad.