Dubai: Godolphin, the Dubai-owned global racing stable, will sponsor the inaugural Australian Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
The awards, which carry a prize-pool of $100,000 (Dh367,800), will be presented in six categories, along with specially commissioned trophies for the winners.
Nominations are open and close on September 28. The Australian Awards ceremony will be held at the The Stables, Royal Randwick, on November 24.
Speaking at the launch at Warwick Farm, in Sydney, Champion Trainer and Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards Ambassador Gai Waterhouse, 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 of $10,000 each and a trophy. The two runners-up in each of these categories will receive $500 each. An additional $2,000 will also be awarded to the winner’s yard or stud.
Each of the stud and stable winners will be automatically nominated for the Thoroughbred Excellence Award with the winner receiving an additional $5,000 personally, with another $4,000 awarded to their yard or stud.
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 Shaikh Mohammad [Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai] 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.
“Those workers don’t always get the opportunity to be centre stage, but these awards really celebrate their commitment and passion and rightfully acknowledges those people without whom the breeding and racing industries wouldn’t exist.
“This is a great initiative by Godolphin, which I’m sure will generate huge interest.”
Henry Plumptre, Managing Director of Godolphin in Australia, said: “Godolphin is very proud to be sponsoring the inaugural Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards. 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.”
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 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 Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Racing Australia (RA) and available to download at www.racingaustralia.horse/GodolphinForm/godolphin.com