Young sports journalists are in with a chance of winning a share of £2,500 for writing about horse racing.

The quality of writing is much more important than a detailed knowledge of racing for this prize.

But the work submitted must be previously unpublished to stand a chance of winning.

The Martin Wills Memorial Trust is offering its 12th annual awards for journalistic articles of 1,000 words or less – fact or fiction – on, or with a background in, any aspect of horse racing.

The charity is inviting work from young people resident in the UK or Republic of Ireland, and particular importance will be attached to originality, use of language and entertainment.

But the organisers warn that articles on racing politics or the future of racing are unlikely to be well received.

The Martin Wills Memorial Trust commemorates Martin Wills, an amateur jockey, point-to-point rider, racing enthusiast and journalist who died in April 1992, aged 39.

The contest is open to writers who were aged 26 and under on January 1 this year, other than employees of the national and racing press and previous winners. There is an under-26 category and one for under 19s.

The prizes will be £1,250 to the winner and £750 to the runner-up, with £500 for the best other entry from someone aged under 19 January 1.

The winning article will be published in the Racing Post and Irish Field, and the winners will both take home a bronze trophy of two galloping horses and have the opportunity of a week’s work experience at the Racing Post.

The awards will be announced and presented at Newmarket in April at the Free Handicap and Earl of Sefton Stakes Day at the Craven Meeting, where the winners will be given an expenses-paid day’s racing, including a reception in a private luncheon room made available by the racecourse, plus a tour of two leading stables.

Information on the awards is available on www.mrwc.org.uk/willswritingawards, where you can also read last year’s winning entries.

Or you can contact the trustees by e-mail at [email protected].

This year’s judges are sports presenter and editorial director of the Racing Post Brough Scott, Chris John, marketing director of the British Horseracing Board, Channel 4 Racing’s Alice Plunkett, Leo Powell, editor of the Irish Field, Chris Smith, editor of the Racing Post and Catherine Wills, sister of Martin Wills.

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