Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards shortlists unveiled

The shortlist for the 2020 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards has been revealed, with ten individuals selected for each of the six categories after a judging panel whittled down an initial 203 nominations.

Employees from racing stables and studs have been chosen, with the process of selecting three finalists in each category now beginning.

The selected finalists for each category will be revealed in early January and will then be invited to London on February 20 to meet with the judges.

The annual awards ceremony, which celebrates the dedication of stable and stud staff in Britain, will take place the same evening at The Underglobe on London’s South Bank, hosted by ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin.

Brough Scott, chair of the judging panel, said: “Whilst whittling down the nominations to a shortlist of just ten for each category is always an unenviable task, the examples of hard work, commitment and dedication shown by all the nominees never fail to inspire.

“I'd like to extend my congratulations to all those who were nominated and wish those who have progressed to the next stage of the process the very best of luck.”

Sophy Scott, winner of this year's Newcomer Award, with Charlie JohnstonCredit: Dan Abraham

A total of £128,000 in prize-money is up grabs and will be shared between the winners and their yards, with the six categories being the Leadership Award, Dedication Award, Rider/Groom Award, Stud Staff Award, Rory MacDonald Award and David Nicholson Newcomer Award.

The Rory MacDonald Award celebrates outstanding work in the local region, while the David Nicholson Newcomer Award is for members of staff who have been employed in the industry for less than three years.

The awards will also recognise an Employee of the Year, who will be selected from the winners of the first four categories. That winner will receive an additional prize of £15,000, with the same amount going to their yard or stud.

The shortlisted nominees and their employers

David Nicholson Newcomer
Lucy Branthwaite – Barbara Butterworth
Chelsea Brooks – Ollie Pears
Charlotte Cotgrave – Mark Johnston
Leonie Dalgety – Ralph Beckett
Jess Godwin – Roger Charlton
Bradley Harris – Andrew Balding
Matty Hicks – Ed Walker
Megan Lyth – Emma Lavelle
Jemma Mead – Amy Murphy
Kevin Skelton – Bryan Smart

Leadership
Megan Giles – Harry Fry
Anthony Gorman – Richard Hannon
Hannah Gregory – Richard Phillips
Leanne Kershaw – Jedd O’Keeffe
Adam Kite – Ralph Beckett
Patrick MacEwan – Richard Hughes
Mat Nicholls – Kim Bailey
James Savage – Sir Michael Stoute
Gemma Spanswick – George Baker
Jarek Stadnik – Richard Fahey

Rider/Groom
Andre Alencar – Roger Charlton
Rakesh Alva – Bryan Smart
Hayley Ashcroft – Tom Dascombe
Jessica Benfield – Charlie Longsdon
Reeannan Davidson – Sandy Thomson
Darren Forster – Mark Johnston
Ella Herbison – Philip Hobbs
Kate McCormack – Paul Nicholls
Shoab Patel – Stuart Williams
David Williams – John Gosden

Stud Staff
Dianne Best – Cobhall Court
Noel Challinor – Northmore
James Frank – Hascombe and Valiant
Dean Hanson – Far Westfield Farm
John Hernon – Cheveley Park
Tom Hughes – Hazelwood Bloodstock
Patrick Meehan – The National Stud
Richie Rohan – Sicklinghall
Josephine Saunders – Hillwood
Keith Warburton – Shade Oak

Dedication
Charlotte Burke – Alan King
Brian Clotworthy – Henry Candy
David Crofts – Marcus Tregoning
Kevin Hunt – Andrew Balding
Seanie Mulcaire – Philip Hobbs
Paul Pritchard – Eve Johnson Houghton
James Richards – Ann Duffield
Jane Smith – John Ryan
Andrew Stringer – John Gosden
Philip Wright – Harry Dunlop

Rory MacDonald
Eleanor Boden – Scottish Racing
Amie Canham – Richard Fahey
Julie Lingham – British Racing School
Debbie Matthews – Go Racing Green
Grace Muir – HEROS
Chicky Oaksey – Injured Jockeys Fund
Shelley Perham – National Trainers Federation
Patrick & Julie Scott – Appletree Stud
Simone Sear – Racing Welfare
Samantha Trainor – National Horseracing College

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