Clarken Racing | Clarken Racing News 57614 Prices Emotional Dux Win

An emotional Ben Price fought back tears after being crowned dux of the South Australian Apprentice Academy for the second year running on Monday night.

The talented rider has endured one of the toughest periods of his life after losing his mother Belinda and his best mate and cousin Charlie Stevens in the past 12 months.

Remarkably, despite so much going on away from the track, Price was able to establish himself as one of the leading riders in the state.

"Throughout this last sort of eight months, I guess you could say, it's been hard," said Price, the son of jockey Simon Price.

"But I appreciate the support a lot.

"That's what Mum would have wanted, to keep going.

"(Losing Charlie) was terrible. He was one of my best mates.

"I guess you could say we've had a rough, sort of, year-and-a-half, two years. Without friends and family, I wouldn't be here winning this award."

In accepting the award, Price paid tribute to his friends and family, who have helped him get through such a rough time.

Price said his focus for the next 12 months is to just keep riding winners. He will continue his association with SA premiership leaders Will Clarken and Niki O'Shea.

"They've told me they're going to offer me a lot of rides in the coming weeks, months and years. That means a lot to me," he said.

Story from Racing.com (Ryan Reynolds)