Finalists announced for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin
The 18 finalists have been announced today for the 2025 renewal of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.
Now in their 21st year, the awards recognise and reward the skill, passion and commitment of the extraordinary people working across the British racing and breeding industry.
The finalists will now head to York Racecourse on Monday 24 February for the last round of judging and the prestigious ceremony, where the six category winners and overall Employee of the Year will be crowned.
Hosted by Rishi Persad, the star-studded occasion will include special guest appearances from double Olympic gold medallist, Laura Collett MBE, and dual champion Flat Jockey and Godolphin retained rider, William Buick.
Each winner and runner-up during the evening will receive a share of the £128,500 prize money, generously provided by Godolphin. An incredible £30,000 will be awarded to the Employee of the Year and their yard or stud, which was secured last year by David Porter-Mackrell and Newsells Park Stud.
The 2025 finalists have been selected by an expert judging panel following a highly competitive process, which saw over 200 nominations whittled down to an initial 10-person shortlist, prior to confirmation of the final three in each category.
All nominees who made it to the shortlist but did not progress to the final three will receive a £250 prize in recognition of their achievement.
BHA Acting Chief Executive, Brant Dunshea, said:
“My sincere congratulations to this year’s finalists. This is a wonderful accomplishment and deserved recognition for your contribution to British racing and breeding.
“I know how tough the judging process was this year, with some seriously strong competition, so our finalists and shortlisted nominees should all be very proud of what you have achieved.
“We are extremely fortunate in our industry to benefit from the skill and dedication of many thousands of individuals who devote their lives to our horses, people and communities.
“Thanks to the support of our sponsors Godolphin, our expert judging panel and committed partners, the ceremony at York Racecourse promises to be another truly special occasion where we have the opportunity to celebrate the best of British racing and breeding.”
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director at Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said:
“Each and every one of this year's finalists should be extremely proud of reaching this stage, congratulations to them all.
"Simply being nominated is a significant achievement, and I am sure the panel of judges have had as difficult task as ever to whittle the list down to 18 of the best representatives of our industry.
“We look forward to celebrating with them all at York Racecourse next month."
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We are delighted to confirm the finalists and their employers for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin are as follows:
Newcomer Award
Tina St. John – William Haggas
Tyla Macfarlane – Andrew Balding
Uwitonze Wenham-Beckford – Karl Burke
Leadership Award
Ivo Thomas – Tweenhills
Mark Ellwood – Nick Alexander
Rachael Lytham – Greenall Guerriero Racing
Rider / Racing Groom Award
Emma Kettlewell – Karl Burke
Sarah Macdonald – Julia Feilden
Simone Meloni – Nicky Henderson
Stud Award
Fiona McGlone – Hascombe & Valiant Stud
Kelly Stevens – Littleton Stud
Kim Skolfield – Newsells Park Stud
Dedication Award
Anthony Smith – Karl Burke
Jane Smith – John Ryan
Joe Scally – Roger Varian
Community Award
Anne Richardson – HEROS Charity
Jacqui Greet – Ascot Racecourse
Sally Lyons – Great British Racing
