Godolphin, the global racing stable founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has Tuesday been announced as the sponsor of the inaugural Australian Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
The awards, announced at the Warwick Farm stables in Sydney, will acknowledge and reward the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff.
Word is we can expect to see @godolphin and Joao Moreira teaming up through the Sydney and Melbourne Spring Carnivals.
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) September 1, 2015
There are six award categories, which carry a total prize-pool of $100,000 (Dhs261,000) along with specially commissioned trophies for the winners. Nominations for the awards are open, and close on Monday 28th September 2015.
Champion Trainer and Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards Ambassador Gai Waterhouse, who was on hand at Warwick Farm to announce the awards, said: “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.
“I have been honoured to work with many men and women who 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 winner of each of the six main categories will receive a cash prize and troph, with an additional $2,000 (Dhs5,223) also awarded to the winner’s yard or stud.
Each of the stud and stable winners will be automatically nominated for the Thoroughbred Excellence Award.
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The winners will be announced at the inaugural Australian Awards ceremony which will be held at the The Stables, Royal Randwick on Tuesday, 24th November, 2015.
Commenting on the significance of the awards to the Australian racing industry, Peter McGauran, Chief Executive Officer, Racing Australia, said: “These awards present an opportunity to recognise the Australian stud and stable staff who form the backbone of the racing industry. It is great to see their dedication and passion for horses being recognised by these awards and we thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin for the continued support of the Australian racing industry.”
Tom Reilly, Chief Executive of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, said: “Anybody who is involved in breeding or racing knows that great staff, with real dedication and love of horses, are at the heart of every business.
“This is a great initiative by Godolphin which I’m sure will generate huge interest.”
The 2015 Award winners will be chosen by a selection panel chaired by Chairman of Stewards, South Australia, Johan Petzer and comprised of individuals representing TBA, TRSA, Racing Victoria, Sky Racing Channel in addition to leading trainers Ron Quinton and Troy Corstens.
Nominations are open until 5pm AEST Monday September 28th and can be made by anyone within the industry. Trainers, owners, managers and colleagues are encouraged to nominate their employees. Forms will be distributed directly by TBA and Racing Australia and available to download at http://racingaustralia.horse/GodolphinForm/godolphin.aspx.
