A hard-working young horse rider based near Marlborough has been named the winner of a major award and congratulated by Princess Anne herself.

Hollie Wiltshire was invited to attend the prestigious Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards at Ascot Racecourse on Monday, February 26, as a finalist in the newcomer category.

The 20-year-old never dreamed that she would win, let alone be congratulated by a princess.

Hollie, who is originally from Doncaster and recently graduated from the National Racing College, has taken to her role as racing groom for prestigious Marlborough trainer Alan King with buckets of enthusiasm and she now manages the yard’s equine spa and salt chamber.

The 20th annual awards ceremony honours the extraordinary contribution of people like Hollie working behind the scenes in training yards who make a positive difference to British racing.

The event, which saw a total of £128,500 prize money handed out, was attended by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and hosted by ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Horse-rider Hollie is employed by Alan King, a prestigious racehorse trainer.Horse-rider Hollie is employed by Alan King, a prestigious racehorse trainer. (Image: British Horseracing Authority)

A spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority said that Hollie “always arrives at the yard armed with carrots and with passion in abundance.”

“Hollie Wiltshire embodies dedication,” they said.

“Keen to make further progress, Hollie always wants to shadow the senior and experienced horse-people in the yard, developing her horse husbandry skills and sharing this knowledge with others.   

“Enthusiastic and always the first to volunteer, Hollie not only ensures her horses have everything they need but is a shining example and integral part of the Barbury Castle team.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Hollie Wiltshire, a graduate of the National Horseracing College, has been named 'newcomer of the year'.Hollie Wiltshire, a graduate of the National Horseracing College, has been named 'newcomer of the year'. (Image: British Horseracing Authority)

“This evening’s ceremony was a wonderful occasion, made all the more special by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal,” added the chair of the judging panel, Nick Luck.

“I am sure she, like I, greatly enjoyed the privilege of spending time with those who do such wonderful work to ensure that thoroughbreds in Britain receive world-class care and attention.”

As well as walking away as an award-winning employee with a hefty cash prize, Hollie was also able to meet Princess Anne who congratulated her personally.

As a former three-day eventing European champion, Olympian and amateur jockey, Princess Anne is closely involved with several equine charities.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Princess Anne, who attended the awards ceremony, is an avid horse-rider with a long equestrian career.Princess Anne, who attended the awards ceremony, is an avid horse-rider with a long equestrian career. (Image: Getty)

“I’d like to congratulate this year’s finalists on this wonderful achievement,” said BHA Chief Executive, Julie Harrington.

“You are all fitting representatives of the thousands of stud, stable and industry employees across the country who are the backbone of our sport.”

But while award-winning Hollie is over the moon with the result, she now has her eyes firmly fixed on Cheltenham Festival where her pride and joy, Edwardstone, will be heading to compete in two weeks.