The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is delighted to confirm that 220 nominations - a record number - have been received for the 2016 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards. Nominations for the Awards, which take place on 22 February in London, streamed in from yards and studs of all sizes across the country with trainers, stud managers, owners and colleagues eager to recognise the outstanding work and dedication of stud and stable staff.

Brough Scott, Chairman of the Judging Panel said:

"Having record nominations is a really nice bit of Christmas news for it recognizes the work that stud and stable staff do every day, never more than at this time of year. Horses still need to be looked after on holidays and over Christmas and the dedication and care shown by the people now nominated is wonderfully inspiring. Judging between them is one of the most deliciously difficult privileges around and I feel lucky to be doing it."

The winners and runners-up will be announced at an evening ceremony, hosted by Clare Balding and with guest presenter AP McCoy at the Jumeirah Carlton Towers Hotel, Knightsbridge. We are pleased to confirm that this year's ceremony will be bigger than ever, with all finalists able to invite a full table of guests to share in their success.

All of the 220 nominations have been verified and the 12-strong Judging Panel are currently assessing them. This year the panel includes last year's Employee of the Year, Jess Fortt and Tabbi Smith, the Training Director at the National Stud.

At the end of the first judging stage a shortlist of 10 nominees for each category will be announced at the beginning of January. The second judging stage requires judges to reduce the list of 10 down to three finalists for each category.

The three finalists in each category will then be invited to meet with the judges in London on 22 February, when the winners to be decided. The Employee of the Year will be selected from the winners of the Leadership Award; Dedication to Racing Award; Stud Staff Award; and Rider/Groom and will receive £15,000 in prize money, with the same amount awarded to their yard.