TWO Malton equestrians are among the UK finalists in a prestigious horse racing industry awards.

Jessica McLernon and Ben Stephens are two of eighteen finalists in the forthcoming Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards.

Jessica works for racehorse trainer Richard Fahey, while Ben worked with the late Malcolm Jefferson, who passed away earlier this month.

The awards "shine a light on the unsung heroes working at the grass roots of British Horseracing and its bloodstock industry".

Jessica is a finalist for the leadership award.

Since starting as a racing groom in May 2011, her career at Richard Fahey Racing has progressed at an exponential rate; she recently became assistant trainer.

She said: "I am hugely grateful for being nominated by Richard Fahey for the awards, and I couldn’t believe it when I heard I had made the final three.

"There are so many unsung heroes in our game and I feel I am representing everyone involved working in this area.

"I also think it’s fantastic for Malton to have two of the finalists, it’s a town steeped in racing history and it’s great for the community to be recognised."

Ben Stephens is a finalist in the Rider Groom awards.

He has been riding horses for much of his life, including a spell in New Zealand, and has become an indispensable member of the team at Newstead since joining four years ago. 

The prestigious awards ceremony will be held on Monday evening at the Jumeirah Carlton Towers, Knightsbridge, London.

Ed Chamberlain, of ITV Racing will present the awards, alongside guest host, former England footballer Michael Owen.