The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable trust Retraining of Racehorses Community Impact Award, as voted for by the public, was presented to Kevin and Pam Atkinson of New Beginnings at a ceremony in Newmarket.

A Group One winner for Robert Cowell in his racing days, the retired star was back in the headlines after another busy year of visits in the York area.

The positive impact of a thoroughbred meeting people was witnessed on emotional visits to both St Leonard’s and St Gemma’s Hospices; whilst it was a sheer joy to see the children of Clifton Green Primary School get to know the former sprint champion.

Kevin Atkinson said: “The pleasure that he gives to people at the latter end of life is phenomenal and he seems to instinctively know what to do, like putting his nose on people’s faces. To see someone smile with all that they’re going through because they’ve been touched by a horse is unreal.”

Pam Atkinson added: “What will live with me is when we went to a hospice in Leeds in the summer and there was a man there who was very, very poorly. He came outside to meet Remy in his hospital bed and couldn’t lift up his hand, so Remy put his nose on his hand. The second time we went Remy knew what do, kissed his face, and the pleasure he gave that man was amazing. He gives people hope.”

As Equine Ambassador to the Knavesmire, Remy will again be attending many York racedays in 2024, when racegoers will get their chance to say hello to him and chat to Kevin and Pam about the work of the charity.