Suppliers of trophies for Grand National races share a rare insight into the work that goes into creating iconic trophies.
Each springtime over the last 10 years, the highly regarded gift and trophy company Inkerman are tasked with providing over 70 + trophies for the three day Grand National meeting at Aintree. This year, they have shared a rare insight into how these trophies and awards are created.
Each year, Inkerman work with over eight elite craft workshops across England who are experts in crafting prestigious sporting awards. The process begins in Tunbridge Wells where Inkerman sketch creative trophy designs. Depending on materials required, designs are then sent to workshops including silversmiths in Birmingham, glassmakers in Norfolk and pewterers in Sheffield.
The next stage of the trophies’ and awards journey is to either the City of London or Essex where event details and designs are hand etched and engraved. This intricate work requires razor sharp attention to detail which is why Inkerman have consistently worked with select workshops since 1996. Meanwhile, luxury box makers near Manchester create beautiful presentation boxes and then send them to Inkerman in Tunbridge Wells where trophies and awards are boxed. Inkerman then personally deliver the unique trophies and awards to Aintree to ensure they arrive pristine and on time for the event. Guarded by soldiers from the The Royal Mercian & Lancastrian Yeomanry, racegoers can see the trophies on display throughout the meeting hosted by Inkerman.
This is intense work for the workshops and Inkerman, so the whole process from design to delivery of the 70+ trophies takes 10-12 weeks. Inkerman’s enthusiasm for the Grand National meeting makes the whole process one to look forward to for the company. Director, Kiki Grigson says, “we are proud to be working with Aintree for the tenth consecutive year. Our team’s long-standing connections and passion for racing means we have a deep understanding of the sport.” Inkerman’s understanding of the sport is reflected in the trophy and awards’ classic designs.
If you are visiting Aintree for the annual Grand National meeting, you will be able to spot Inkerman’s trophies and awards. Have a look out for their awards at other sporting events such as international cricket and golf competitions. This year alone Inkerman will design and produce over 2,000 trophies for various high profile sporting events.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.