The global importance of the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards has never been more pronounced as the racing and breeding industries maintain unprecedented growth worldwide.
The global importance of the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards has never been more pronounced as the racing and breeding industries maintain unprecedented growth worldwide.
The skills acquired by the best horsemen/women have always been valued by owners, trainers and studmasters, but thanks to the generosity and personal interest of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, they are now publicly recognised and handsomely rewarded.
Earlier this week, a glittering ceremony for Ireland's Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards took place in Adare, Co Limerick, at which prizes were handed out for 10 categories, covering all aspects of equine care and hands-on management within the sport.
This followed similar award ceremonies in Britain and Australia, and it is the ambition of Sheikh Mohammed, through Godolphin, that both America and France will also conduct their own awards along similar lines in the near future.
Diana Cooper, Godolphin's Strategic Adviser, Charities, believes that the sheer number of thoroughbreds being foaled worldwide every year brings all owners as well as those saddled with the responsibility of the training and care of racehorses into the spotlight.
"We, in the racing and breeding industries, are fortunate to have some of the most skilled horsemen and horsewomen in the workforce.
"They call on incredible expertise on a daily basis to carry out their jobs, and that expertise is the bedrock on which racing and breeding is built.
"It is crucial, globally, that they continue to be recognised and rewarded for their dedication and hard work.
"By doing this, we can further encourage our industry to attract more employment for those wishing to work with horses," she added.
The Godolphin-backed awards have been universally welcomed by stable staff. Thankfully, in the past decade or so, the groom/stable lad/strapper (different terms are used to describe the job in America/Britain/Australia) has been given public recognition, with their names being published in the program at some racecourses.
