A horse racing award has been named in honour of a regional daily journalist who died this summer.

The prize will carry the name of Tom O’Ryan, who wrote for York daily The Press and the Northern Echo, among other publications.

The newly-named Tom O’Ryan Champion Apprentice Trophy is awarded to the apprentice jockey who has ridden the most winning horses during the flat turf season.

Tom, pictured above left, died in August aged 61 after a short battle with cancer.

The trophy was funded by sponsor Stobart Group, whose chief executive Andrew Tinkler said: “Tom O’Ryan was always on hand to help out young riders when they needed advice and we were delighted to help facilitate his name being associated with the new Champion Apprentice Trophy.”

Tom, himself a former jockey, was named Racing Journalist of the Year in 2002, and also presented on television channel Racing UK.

The champion apprentice honour has been awarded on an annual basis since 1922.

Paul Hanagan, former champion apprentice and champion jockey, said: “Tom was a racing man through and through and understood the game well and I am delighted to see his name associated with the new Apprentice Trophy.”