THE Northern Region of Eventing Ireland’s Annual Awards Ball will be held at The Stormont Hotel in Belfast on Saturday, November 21st and nominations are now being sought for the Roy Pugh Memorial Groom’s Prize.

The prize is awarded each year by Ruth Ryder-Pugh to grooms as recognition of the hard work they put in behind the scenes to ensure their horses look and feel in tip-top form. If you feel your groom is deserving of the accolade, you should submit a citation directly to Ruth at rutheyre.pugh@googlemail.com outlining the work undertaken and giving reasons why these hard-working team members should be awarded this recognition.

Have they gone to exceptional lengths in the course of their duties? If so, get nominating, sharing examples of what they’ve done. Remember past winners can be re-nominated as well as new applicants. Preference will be given to non-paid grooms, who work for no financial reward, although paid grooms may also be considered.

Nomination must be submitted by November 6th with the winner announced at the ball, tickets for which can be purchased for £70 via PayPal to einorthernregion@gmail.com using ‘Friends and Family’.

The region is also looking for businesses and individuals who would be willing to donate auction items and ballot prizes. All funds raised will be put straight back into the programme.