Huge response to Australian Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Australia’s biggest racing stables, the country’s major stud farms and racing organisations across the nation have joined together in an outstanding response to the 2016 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

Almost 140 nominations were received for the awards which acknowledge staff who work behind the scenes in all sections of the racing industry.

Godolphin, in association with Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Racing Australia, offer the Awards in six categories: Leadership; Horsemanship; Dedication to Breeding; Dedication to Racing; Administration and Ancillary Services; and Thoroughbred Care and Welfare.

Each award carries a trophy and a cash prize of $10,000 with a further $3,000 for employers to share among the winner’s work colleagues.

An additional Thoroughbred Excellence Award of $5,000, plus a further $2,000 for staff, will be made to a nominee chosen from among those winners working for a stud or stable.

Nominations have come from such trainers as Chris Waller, Darren Weir, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Robert Heathcote, Peter and Paul Snowden and Gerald Ryan.

They are joined by staff from the Australian branches of some of the world’s most influential breeding operations, like Coolmore, Vinery and the US-based Spendthrift Farms, along with such local farms as Newgate, Arrowfield, Segenhoe, Swettenham, Gooree Park and Kooringal.

Race clubs from the Australian Turf Club to the Moree Racing Club in country NSW have nominated employees, as have equine welfare groups, transport companies and sales companies.

The Award nominees represent every area of the industry from stud managers to trackwork riders to truck drivers, bid spotters and office staff – all those whose dedication, devotion and energy horse enable racing to function.

Finalists in each section will be named in early November with the winners to be announced at a special function at Moonee Valley Racecourse on December 2.