Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Racing Australia have launched the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards which acknowledges the dedication and hard work of stud and stable staff.
There are six categories, which carry a total prizemoney pool of $100,000 along with specially commissioned trophies. Each winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 and a trophy while the two runners-up in each of the categories will collect $500. A $2000 prize will also be awarded to the winner's stable or stud.
The winners will then be automatically nominated for the Thoroughbred Excellence Award which has an additional $5000 first prize for the winner as well as a $4000 award to their yard or stud.
"Godolphin is very proud to be sponsoring the inaugural Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards," Godolphin Australia managing director Henry Plumptre said.
"The aim of these Awards is to reach out to the whole industry and the wider public to bring deserved recognition and reward to people who make an extraordinary commitment to their horses and our sport."
Nominations will be open from Tuesday September 1 and close at 5pm on Monday September 28.
The winners will be announced at the inaugural Australian Awards ceremony which will be held at The Stables at Randwick Racecourse on Tuesday November 24.
Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse is an ambassador for the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
"I think it's very important that the people who put the show on the road and service the industry are recognised for all their hard work," Waterhouse said.
"I have been honoured to work with many men and women work tirelessly and with real dedication and passion for what they do and the horses in their care.
"These awards are a great initiative for the industry and I'm sure they will be well supported."
The 2015 Award winners will be chosen by a selection panel chaired by South Australian chairman of stewards Johan Petzer and comprised of individuals representing TBA, TRSA, Racing Victoria, Sky Racing in addition to leading trainers Ron Quinton and Troy Corstens.
The categories are as follows:
1. Leadership Award (Stud or Stable)
An award to an individual in a managerial or supervisory role in a stud or stable who has displayed leadership qualities – in particular in terms of quality people management, mentoring and support of staff, attention to workplace health and safety, commitment to continuous improvement and displaying good business acumen.
2. Horsemanship Award (Stud or Stable)
An award to an individual staff member who has shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability in or out of the saddle. Must include an affinity with horses and gives a priority to animal welfare. Must demonstrate a degree of success with the thoroughbred, whether it be in breeding or racing or both, that has been borne out of their particular skill set.
3. Dedication to Breeding Award
An award to an individual staff member who has shown talent in thoroughbred breeding horsemanship, consistency and reliability in a stud role. Must have at least five years' service in the breeding industry and must have been pivotal in his or her employer's success.
4. Dedication to Racing Award
An award to an individual staff member who has shown talent for horsemanship in the racing field, consistency and reliability in racing role. Must have at least five years' service in the racing industry and must have been pivotal in his or her employer's success.
5. Administration (Stud/Racing Stable/Ancillary Services) Award (Stud or Stable)
An award to an individual staff member who works in an administration role in a stud or racing yard or services ancillary to racing or breeding (such as Race Club administrators). Must demonstrate exceptional skills, loyalty or some achievement that has added value to their employer's business, and directly or indirectly to industry standards.
6. Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award
An award to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the care and welfare of thoroughbreds who are not actively racing, and/or created a greater awareness, passion and care for the thoroughbred horse in its second/alternate career. Advocates whether by action or effort to ensure or promote best care throughout the thoroughbred's life (breeding, breaking, pre and post racing career, re-homing, retraining, providing a comfortable retirement, etc). These may be, for example, a quite achiever/ paid or volunteer in retraining or re-homing of the thoroughbred. This includes re-homing, retraining and providing a comfortable retirement for the animal. (Note – this winner will not be eligible for the Thoroughbred Excellence Award).
7. Thoroughbred Excellence Award - Overall Award (Stud or Stable Only)
Winner to be selected from one of the five categories.
