Simon Laurens with Ocean Diamond who is suffering from a viral infection

Jersey’S Paralympic dressage rider, Simon Laurens, has won the Gloucestershire Media’s 2009 disability sportsperson of the year award – but his future in the sport is in some doubt.

He was one of 11 winners honoured for their services to sport in the county at a presentation dinner held at Cheltenham racecourse last evening.

Laurens moved to Gloucestershire in 2006 so that he could concentrate on training for the Great Britain squad but still makes regular trips back to Jersey to instruct local riders and to assist with competitions run by the Jersey Dressage Club of which he is chairman.

Although competing in the 2012 Paralympics on home ground is his dream, Simon is currently facing an uncertain future as his one and only horse, Ocean Diamond is suffering from a severe viral infection and his fall back horse, Ocean Don Jon had to be sold earlier this year to help meet the high costs of competing at international level.

‘The next major event is the 2010 FEI World Games in Kentucky,’ said Simon. ‘I have to take part in five qualifying events to be considered for selection. The next of these is in January but I feel it will be very doubtful that my horse will be fit.’