Champion honoured for charity work

THREE well-known figures in English racing have been recognised in Queen Elizabeth’s New Year’s honours list.

Bob Champion received a CBE for his charity work. The 72-year-old Champion recovered from cancer before riding Aldaniti to win the 1981 Grand National. He has since raised close to £15 million for cancer research. He was awarded an MBE in 1982.

Nick Rust, who stepped down as chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority last month, has been made an OBE for services to horseracing.

Nigel Payne, former chairman of the Professional Jockeys Association and current chairman of the Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust, was also made an MBE. He was press officer for Aintree Racecourse for 31 years and he was part-owner of Earth Summit, who won the Scottish, Welsh and Aintree Nationals.