Eclipse Cup recognises author's contribution in her novels to promoting the 'terrific fun' to be had at the races
From the Cheltenham Gold Cup to the Grand National, horseracing trophies pepper the pages of Jilly Cooper's latest romp. Now, the bestselling author has been awarded a cup of her own for "services to the social side of racing".
Horseracing magazine Eclipse was inspired to create the Eclipse Cup award by Cooper's new bestseller, the jauntily titled Jump! which follows the adventures of beautiful widow Etta Bancroft and her motley racing syndicate as they enter their horse, Mrs Wilkinson, in races around the country. The magazine hopes the novel will help encourage more people to attend horse races: around 75% of race-goers only attend once a year.