Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards winners Q&A: Alice Price and Beck Edmunds

Nominations for the 2022 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards close on November 9 and after being conducted virtually last year, the 18th annual ceremony will be presented in person in London on February 21. There are six categories and we spoke to two of this year's winners, Alice Price and Beck Edmunds, about what it meant to win their awards

Alice Price – Ben Pauling Racing
Newcomer Award Winner 2021

Beck Edmunds
Leadership Award and Employee of the Year winner 2021 when with Bryan Smart

Who nominated you and how did you feel when you found out about it?
AP: It was my boss Ben and I was shocked really. It’s not something I ever expected to be nominated for but it was very exciting.

BE: I was given a copy of my nomination and it actually made me cry. To read it all brought to mind everything I do and it was emotional to think about the things I’d done down the years. It was a very proud moment.

And how about when you won?

AP: That was even more unbelievable. It’s still unbelievable now, to be honest. It was such an amazing feeling for it to be recognised that I do put in a lot of hard work.

BE: Wow, it was such a shock. I won the Leadership Award, which you don’t expect for just doing your job. It was very special.

Do you think it had an impact on the rest of the yard?

AP: Definitely. Everything we do is as a team, and so it makes the whole team feel like we had been recognised. Everyone was ecstatic for me, people were screaming in the office when they were watching the ceremony on the TV, so it was a special night. It felt like a big celebration for all of us, it was really nice.

BE: It really does. There was a lot of laughter and banter and it gave the yard a big boost. Everybody felt involved, it wasn’t just about me.

Beck Edmunds (right): won the leadership award and employee of the year at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff AwardsCredit: Dan Abraham

How has winning affected you since?

AP: I definitely feel more confident and I feel like it’s opened up a few more opportunities as well because I’ve been allowed to do more things and take on more responsibilities, so it’s been really good for me and my career personally too. It’s lovely to win an award but it’s made a difference to my CV too.

Would you encourage people to get nominating this year?

AP: I definitely would, you should do it. It might not seem like a big thing but it really could actually impact somebody’s life and their career. Even getting into a final three or the top ten is fantastic and gives that person a massive confidence boost. It makes you feel appreciated and like you’re doing something right in your job.

BE: I would, just do it! It means so much to the staff to get this recognition for what they do. They work so hard in all weathers, and it’s sometimes a very thankless task because you can’t win every race. To get somebody saying ‘thank you and well done’ means the world.

How much are you looking forward to the jumps season picking up now?

AP: I can’t wait. Every season is exciting and every year is a a fresh start. I do have a favourite horse, which is Northern Bound. He’s doing really well at the moment and is in flying form, so I’m really excited about him.

Read more:

2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards winners Q&A: Joline Saunders

2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards winners Q&A: Richard Phillips

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