Heroes required: nominations open for Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Nominations opened on Monday morning for the 18th annual Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, which will be presented across six categories in London on February 21.

After the 2021 prizes were both judged and awarded virtually, the climax of the race to succeed Beck Edmunds as overall Employee of the Year reverts to its usual format, with the finalists all being interviewed in person ahead of the the ceremony.

Nominations will remain open until November 9 at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards website, while a total of £128,500 in prize-money is up for grabs.

After the trials and tribulations the sport has endured through the Covid-19 pandemic, Godolphin managing director Hugh Anderson said it was more important than ever to recognise the tireless work of staff in Britain.

Anderson said: "The past 18 months have demonstrated more than ever what a vital part the loyal, hardworking people working in the racing and breeding industries have to play in keeping the show on the road – in the racing yard, on the racecourse or on the stud farm.

"Their outstanding dedication and commitment has seen them rise to the challenges of recent times in spades, and it is as important as ever that they are recognised and rewarded.

"Godolphin is delighted to continue its support for these awards and encourage anyone working in our wonderful industry to put forward their outstanding colleagues or employees for nomination."

2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards overall winner Beck Edmunds

Broadcaster Nick Luck will preside over the judging once again having succeeded Brough Scott as chair of the panel in 2021, while Edmunds, who was nominated by her boss Bryan Smart last year and who won the Leadership category as well as taking home the top prize, will be among those tasked with whittling down nominees and choosing the winners.

"I was proud to take over the position of chair from Brough Scott in 2021 and was struck by the passion, dedication and talent displayed by all nominees," said Luck.

"The winners of these awards are rightly proud of their achievement and I was touched last year not only to see how much the recognition meant to the winners themselves but also their colleagues and friends at their places of work."

Luck added: "I would encourage every operation in the nation to get involved in the nomination process and be part of something that shines the greatly deserved spotlight on the sport's vital workforce."

BHA chief executive Julie Harrington also paid tribute to the way that racing and breeding staff had adapted in order to keep the sport functioning during the pandemic.

"British racing has been faced with unprecedented challenges during the last two years and, while wider social restrictions put in place to combat Covid-19 have been lifted in Britain, those working in racing continue to adhere to protocols designed to ensure the sport's ability to continue in the face of the ongoing public health threat.

"That stud and stable staff have not only been able to adapt to a new way of working so professionally but been able to continue to ensure the high standard of care provided to each and every horse is a testament to their incredible hard work. I look forward to attending next year's ceremony to pay tribute to the 2022 nominees and celebrate their incredible contribution to racing."

Nominations are open in the following categories:

David Nicholson Newcomer award, won in 2021 by Alice Price (Ben Pauling)

Leadership award, Beck Edmunds (Bryan Smart)

Rider/Racing Groom award, Joanna Lacisz (Sir Michael Stoute)

Stud Staff award, Elody Swann (Newsells Park Stud)

Dedication award, Joline Saunders (Richard Phillips)

Community award, Richard Phillips

Nomination forms can be found here

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