Nominations open for Godolphin-backed Irish Stud and Stable Staff awards

Nominations have opened for the 2019 Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards, which carry prize-money of over €80,000.

The awards involve ten categories and mark the fifth year that Godolphin have sponsored the initiative, which will take place at a ceremony at the Curragh on October 29.

The announcement of the awards had been delayed following Godolphin's recent review of its sponsorship portfolio.

The Sheikh Mohammed-backed entity is the event's main sponsor, in association with the Racing Post, the Irish Stable Staff Association, and Horse Racing Ireland. Godolphin also backs the equivalent Stud and Stable Staff Awards in America, Australia, Britain and France.

Sandra Hughes, Godolphin’s ambassador for the awards, will be visiting yards and stud farms as well as attending race meetings and bloodstock sales to encourage as many nominations as possible.

In addition to nominating online, every trainer, breeder and point-to-point handler will receive a nomination form.

Nominations are open until Monday June 24, and must be completed online or returned to the HRI marketing department by 5pm that day.

Godolphin Ireland's managing director Joe Osborne said: "We are is delighted to sponsor the Irish awards for the fifth year. The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards showcase the skills, experience and dedication of the hardworking men and women in our industry."

The nomination forms are also available from Horse Racing Ireland’s head office at Ballymany, Newbridge, County Kildare. Bernard Caldwell, chairman of the Irish Stable Staff Association (ISSA) and his colleagues will be distributing them at upcoming race meetings.

"The Irish Stable Staff Association is very grateful to Godolphin for their continued commitment to our stud and stable staff," said Caldwell. "The awards are a brilliant platform to acknowledge and reward all our dedicated staff working around the country."

The ten award categories are – Racecourse Award, Racing & Breeding Support Services Award, Administraton Award, Newcomer Award (stud and stable employees), Horse Care Award (stud and stable employees), In The Saddle Award (stud and stable employees), Leadership Award (stud employees), Leadership Award (stable employees), Dedication to Racing and Breeding Award, and the Irish Racing Excellence Award.

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