MP joins award winners and finalists at Newmarket celebration
Nick Timothy MP joined Newmarket-based winners and finalists of the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin to celebrate the achievements of his constituents and their employers.
Hosted at Godolphin’s Dalham Hall Stud on Friday 21 March, the event included a meet and greet with the West Suffolk MP and dual champion Flat jockey William Buick, followed by a parade of the stud’s top stallions, including Pinatubo, Cracksman and Too Darn Hot.
The event was an opportunity for the 2025 finalists to share their experiences of the prestigious awards ceremony, held at York Racecourse earlier this year, and showcase their dedication to the horses in their care and the importance of a thriving racing and breeding sector to the Newmarket area.
In attendance were Dedication Award winner Jane Smith and her employer John Ryan, alongside award finalists Fiona McGlone (Hascombe & Valiant Stud), Tina St. John (William Haggas), Joe Scally and their guests – including racehorse trainer Roger Varian.
Organised by the British Horseracing Authority, the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin honour the exceptional individuals who make a positive difference in the lives of our horses, people and local communities.
With £128,500 in prize money to be distributed across the six categories, the awards recognise and reward the passion and dedication of the people at the heart of British horseracing and breeding.
West Suffolk MP Nick Timothy said:
“It was such a pleasure to meet star employees from the horseracing and breeding industry at this special event to recognise the commitment, dedication and hard work of so many people who work in yards and at stud farms.
"The industry is lucky have so many talented people. And it can be a truly exciting career, one which can allow those who work in it to travel all over the world and work with wonderful horses such as those we have in the Newmarket area.
"Chatting to the people who won, or were nominated for, awards made clear to me how crucial it is that we make sure we give young people the skills they need to work in the industry, and bring together employers with those who are keen to get started with such a rewarding career.”
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director, Godolphin, said:
“Godolphin is tremendously proud to support the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, undoubtedly one of the highlights of the calendar for over 20 years now. Recognising the outstanding people who are the backbone of the racing and breeding industry is invaluable, and it has been a pleasure to welcome the winners and finalists from the Newmarket area to Dalham Hall Stud.
It has also been wonderful to have Nick Timothy in attendance to gain further understanding of this important industry in his constituency and the wonderful people who enable it to thrive."
Greg Swift, the BHA Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, said:
"Racing and breeding enjoy excellent support from politicians in Westminster and Nick's visit to Godolphin demonstrates the importance of racing communities to MPs. Having an opportunity to speak to some of our award winners about their life at the sharp end of the sport gave Nick an invaluable insight into the dedication, passion and professionalism of those working across our sport.
"As a key sporting and cultural asset racing holds a unique place in British society. Having supportive MPs like Nick acting as powerful advocates on our behalf is an essential part of maintaining that position."
Nominations for the 2026 awards will open later this year. There are six different categories to choose from, and the criteria and nominee qualities are detailed on the Award categories page.
