The Martin Wills Memorial Trust annual horse racing writing awards have been won this year entirely by women journalists.

The number of entries to this year's contest was the second highest, at 126, comprising 86 senior entrants and 40 juniors.

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

The quality of writing is much more important than a detailed knowledge of racing for the contest, and importance was attached to originality, use of language and entertainment.

It was open to regional journalists, freelance writers and student journalists.

The under-26 winner was Jessica Rexroth, (23), an American from Maryland, who is currently studying at the Royal Veterinary College, London.

Her article, 'Taming the Beast', won her £1,250, and will be published in the Racing Post and Irish Field.

She will also retain for a year a bronze trophy of two galloping horses.

The under-26 runner-up was 24 year old Catherine Austen from South Wales, who is eventing editor of Horse & Hound. She will get £750 for her article, 'My Life as a Racing Girlfriend'.

The under-19s competition was won by 16-year-old Jennifer Hamilton, from Solihull, who will receive £500 for her article, 'Getting fit for the Festival - the diary of an ordinary family's preparation for Cheltenham'.

Martha Terry, (24), from Suffolk, and Orlaith O'Connor, (15), from Limerick, were highly commended and will receive £50 book tokens.

One of the judges, journalist and commentator Brough Scott, said: "This year's entries are the most impressive batch we have ever had. I am proud as well as honoured to be involved."

The winning entries can be read on www.racenews.co.uk/martinwills.

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