Sore heads all round as Newmarket stud celebrates James Frank's GSSSA crowning

James Frank's triumph in being crowned Employee of the Year at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in London on Monday night has been described as "very deserving" by colleagues at the Newmarket stud - eventually!

His success in winning the Stud Staff award and the overall title led to a rather late night and slow start on Tuesday for the Hascombe and Valiant team, who get to share the spoils of victory.

Frank, who has worked in the racing and bloodstock industries for 17 years, collected £20,000 in prize-money, with the same amount to be shared between staff at the stud.

Also shortlisted for the Stud Staff award at the annual ceremony at the Underglobe on London's South Bank were Paddy Meehan of the National Stud and Keith Warburton of Shade Oak, but it was Frank who proved the toast of the town.

Fiona McGlone of Hascombe and Valiant Stud said on Tuesday: “James is a very deserving winner of the awards. He’s a great team player and an integral part of the Hascombe team. His work ethic is exceptional.

“James oversees the running of Silverley Paddocks, organising staff, horses and the day-to-day logistics. He works closely with our vets, making sure nothing gets missed, and he is meticulous in his organisation and forward planning, which is a big part of our job.

“We feel we can depend on him in any situation; we know without asking that everything will be done to the highest standard.

“His love of horses and his skill and dedication are something which I believe everyone in our industry should aspire to.”

Overall prize-money for the awards, which were hosted by the BHA and presented by ITV Racing's Ed Chamberlin, was £128,000.

McGlone added: “We are incredibly grateful to Godolphin for their continued sponsorship of these awards. It is wonderful for those who work so hard to be recognised.”

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