FORMER Malton jockey and retired trainer Geoffrey Oldroyd was presented with a Lifetime in Racing award at Pontefract racecourse on Monday.

Awarded by Racing Welfare, the Lifetime in Racing awards seek to recognise those who have dedicated the majority, if not the entirety, of their careers to the racing industry.

Most recipients have notched up over 40 years working in racing and awards are given across the country each year.

Forming part of Racing Welfare’s Racing Staff Week celebrations, Geoff Oldroyd was presented with his trophy at Pontefract by jockey Tom Eaves.

The first race of the day was named in Geoff’s honour also.

Geoff has a long association with the equine industry.

Born in Scarborough in 1946 and a member of the Middleton Pony Club around the age of 10, he started his career in racing at 14.

Having based himself with Pat Rohan in Malton, Geoff’s first winner came on June 24, 1963, when he steered Cave of Dracan to victory at Stockton.

Geoff was champion apprentice in 1968, riding 39 winners that season to take the title.

He rode for 25 years, before starting his training career in 1984, producing the likes of Ladies Are Forever to success in group races including the two-year-old Totesport Trophy at Redcar, and Alfred Hutchinson to win listed races.

Geoff has now retired from training but remains involved in the sport, helping out young trainer Seb Spencer every day. He is still very active, working on the yard and driving the box up to the gallops.

A Racing Welfare spokesman said wanted “to express their thanks to Pontefract racecourse for their kind hospitality on the day and for continuing to support the Lifetime in Racing awards”.