One of the world’s great sporting trophies is to be put on public display after it was loaned to the National Speedway Museum in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire.
Lord Rothermere, the Daily Mail chairman, presented the Daily Mail National Speedway Trophy to Bert Harkins, the chairman of the World Speedway Riders’ Association, at the company’s London offices on Tuesday afternoon.
The trophy, which features a rider, modelled out of silver and pewter, taking a corner, his left foot dragging in the dirt, was contested by the leading teams in the sport between 1931 and 1964, when Oxford were its final winners.
It used to be on display in the reception area of the company’s former printworks at Surrey Quays and has been kept in storage.
‘It does not belong in my cupboard,’ Lord Rothermere said. ‘It belongs to speedway and to people who compete in the sport and love the sport.’
Speedway enthusiast and Plymouth Gladiators fund-raiser Graham Read said he hoped the re-emergence of the trophy could act as the catalyst for a Champions League-style competition with the trophy as the prize.
Lord Rothermere presents Bert Harkins (left) and Graham Read (centre) with the Daily Mail National Speedway Trophy as the iconic trophy prepares to be put on public display
The speedway trophy was contested by the leading teams in the sport between 1931 and 1964
The Daily Mail National Speedway Trophy and its beautiful design puts it among the most iconic trophies in sport. Here’s my top 10:
1. The Stanley Cup
The trophy awarded to the winners of the NHL ice hockey play-offs each season.
2. The Ashes
The historic urn won by the victors in the cricket series contested by England and Australia.
3. The Wanamaker Trophy
The giant prize awarded to the winner of golf’s PGA Championship.
4. The Claret Jug
The trophy given to the winner of The Open.
5. The Champions League trophy
Once awarded to the winners of the European Cup, it is now the distinctive prize given for victory in the biggest game in club football.
6. The Vince Lombardi Trophy
Awarded to the winners of the Super Bowl in the NFL.
7. The FIFA World Cup
The successor to the Jules Rimet Trophy, it is awarded to the winners of the men’s football World Cup.
8. The Gentleman’s Singles Trophy, Wimbledon
An 18-inch high gilt trophy that is the most prestigious prize in tennis.
9. The Daily Mail National Speedway Trophy
10. The Calcutta Cup
Awarded to the winners of the Six Nations contest between England and Scotland.
