GOOD things come to those who wait – the old proverb could have been written for apprentice Paul Pickard.

The 22-year-old, based with Paul Midgley at Westow, is the first beneficiary of a new scholarship aimed at helping him take the next step in his career in the saddle.

The Kyne-Wilson Scholarship is named in memory of Yorkshire-based jockeys Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson, who tragically lost their lives in a Malton flats fire in September.

Given the blessing of both Jamie and Jan’s parents, the award will support a Yorkshire-based apprentice for one calendar year and includes sponsorship worth several thousands of pounds.

Pickard finished fifth in the Apprentice Jockeys’ Championship, with 30 winners during the 2009 Flat season on turf, highlighted by a winning double at York in July on Smarty Socks and Highland Warrior – both trained by Midgley.

He has ridden 35 winners in all in 2009, a remarkable transformation given that the previous year – spent with Declan Carroll at Sledmere – yielded just one victory from only 58 rides.

When Turf Talk last caught up with Pickard, who does not drink or smoke, in September, he revealed how he wanted to take a shot at the apprentices’ title next season.

It is his talent, and determination to succeed despite difficulty, which has seen him scoop the inaugural award.

Sally Iggulden, Beverley’s manager, said: “I am delighted that Paul is the first recipient of the Kyne Wilson Trophy. Talented, keen and hardworking, Paul was a good friend of Jamie and he rode against Jan. Anyone with the nickname ‘Grafter’ gets a gold star from me.

“Paul was chosen for the dedication he has shown to the sport from a young age, and, with the support of Paul Midgley, I’m confident he will do the scholarship proud in this, its inaugural year.”

The scheme will initially run for a five-year period, after which it will be reviewed.

Pickard, naturally, is delighted at being the scholarship’s first winner.

“It is a great honour to be the first recipient of the Kyne-Wilson Scholarship,” he said.

“Jamie was a great friend, and I rode against Jan several times, and both are sadly missed in the weighing room.

“I intend to do the pair of them proud and am looking forward to my association with Beverley Racecourse.”

In a package worth around £4,000, Pickard will receive help with fitness and getting the right riding attire, along with raising his profile in racing and sport and helping to secure further sponsorship.

He will be personally backed by Beverley Racecourse and will wear branded clothes from January 1. Pickard will even get his own website, www.paul-pickard.co.uk, which will contain information about the rider, his year ahead and a diary page.

The scholarship is also paying for a course of driving lesions.

Explaining the motivation behind the award, Iggulden added: “The staff at the racecourse, and regular racegoers to Beverley, were shocked and saddened by the tragic events that took Jan and Jamie back in September.

“We wanted to do something to celebrate their lives, and it was felt that a scholarship which provided support and guidance to young jockeys would be a fitting tribute to them both.

“We are delighted that both families thought this was a good idea, and the scholarship would be a wonderful way of remembering two young riders who many believe would have gone on to make their mark in the sport of racing.

“Jamie was a regular rider at Beverley, achieving his first double here and indeed, his last winner on Duchess Dora.

“Jan rode her first placed horse here, when partnering Bed Fellow to fourth place as an amateur rider in September 2008.”