'Days like this are so important' - Harrington commends staff at awards ceremony

Elevating those working within racing and inspiring others to join the industry were highlighted as key to the sport's future at a ceremony for this year's Godolphin Stud And Stable Staff Awards.

Prizes were presented to the winners and the finalists of this year's competition at an event at Darley's Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket after the original ceremony in February was held online only.

The awards for next year, which are open for nominations, have been renamed as the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and chief executive of the BHA Julie Harrington said attracting, retaining and promoting staff was fundamental to racing's core strategy.

"We really think it's an aspiration to work in this industry and we should all show how proud we are of that," she said, speaking at the awards ceremony. "Leaders from across the industry got together recently to talk growth and growing the industry and what are the barriers to that.

"Without having passionate people to look after our people and horses then that will be a massively limiting factor to growth, so days like this are so important. A huge thank you for everything you do."

Awards were given to Elouise O'Hart (David Nicholson Newcomer), Tom Messenger (Leadership), Dulcie West (Stud Staff), Alyson West (Dedication), Freedom Zampaladus (Community) and Paddy Trainor (Rider/Groom).

Trainor, who works for Mark and Charlie Johnston, also received his award for Employee of the Year and urged more promotion of the benefits of working within the sport.

"We've got to see a lot more of this and get a lot more people coming into the industry," he said. "We need to bring people into the industry to do what we love and to show them that. I love it, I really love it – come wind, rain, sun or snow!"

For more information about the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, and to nominate someone, click here.

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Nominations are now open for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin. Find out more by visiting thoroughbredawards.co.uk.