Godolphin, the global racing stable founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has today been announced as the principal sponsor of the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

In association with The Racing Post and managed by the Irish Stable Staff Association (ISSA) and Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the awards, which will be known as the "Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards, sponsored by Godolphin," recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff and acknowledge the huge contribution they make to the racing industry in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The Awards will be held at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge on Tuesday, April 14th, and are divided into 10 categories, which carry total prize-money of €70,000.

The winner of each of the five main categories will receive a cash prize of €5,000 each and a trophy. The two runners-up in each of these categories will receive €500 each. An additional €4,000 will also be awarded to the winner's yard or stud. The winner of the five main categories will be also be nominated for the Irish Racing Excellence Award and win an additional €5,000 and €5,000 for their yard or stud.

The winner of the Dedication to Racing, Lifelong Learning, Ancillary Services and the Racecourse Grooms' Canteen Award will each receive €2,500 and a trophy.

Commenting on the significance of the awards, Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), said: "Horse Racing Ireland warmly welcomes the sponsorship by Godolphin of the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards. Irish stud and stable staff are admired the world over and form the backbone of our industry. It is great to see their dedication and skills being recognised by Godolphin in such a tangible and generous fashion."

Bernard Caldwell of the Irish Stable Staff Association, speaking in support of the awards, said: "The Irish Stable Staff Association is absolutely delighted with the contribution being made by Godolphin to our annual stable staff awards. We look forward to working with Godolphin to recognise and reward the great employees we have in our industry."

Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin for the UK and Dubai, said: "Godolphin is very proud to be sponsoring the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards. After the success of the British version of these awards over many years we are convinced that this is wonderful way to honour and reward the skill and dedication of those who are the backbone of our industry. We encourage trainers, stud managers, owners and stable staff to nominate people whom they feel deserves an award for their hard work and professionalism."

The 2015 Award winners will be chosen by a selection panel comprised of individuals representing ISSA and a single representative from Horse Racing Ireland, Irish Racehorse Trainers' Association, The Racing Regulatory Body (Turf Club / INHSC) and Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association.

Nominations are open until Wednesday March 18th and can be made by anyone within the industry. Trainers, owners, managers and colleagues are encouraged to nominate. Forms will be distributed by ISSA and HRI.

All nominations must include a rationale for why the nominated individual should be selected along with a minimum of two referees who can be contacted directly by the panel.