Meet the unsung heroes taking centre stage at Monday night's awards

The 2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards take place on Monday and can be viewed free to air on RacingTV at 6.30pm. The awards will be hosted by Ed Chamberlin

David Nicholson Newcomer Award

Chrissie Sykes (Ruth Carr)

Chrissie had no experience of working in the racing industry when she arrived at Mowbray House as a racing secretary two years ago but she has quickly become an invaluable member of the team.

From sourcing a new sponsor for the yard to organising open days and liaising with owners, vets and accountants, Chrissie's initiative and resourcefulness help to keep the business running smoothly.

Her caring and sensitive manner has also meant she has become a mentor and friend to her colleagues, supporting them through challenging situations. The yard would simply not work without her.

Jaydon Lee (Nicky Henderson)

Jaydon graduated from the British Racing School and began his dream job at Seven Barrows in 2018. Since then, he has grown in maturity, confidence and as a rider during his time in Lambourn, which is credit to his work ethic and dedication to the horses.

Jaydon Lee: has developed as a rider since joining Nicky Henderson

He is as dependable and enthusiastic as anyone in the team and his love of the horses in his care, including top performer Shishkin, has been rewarded with significant success on the track. He has a bright future ahead of him and is a credit to himself and to the yard.

Alice Price (Ben Pauling)

Alice has thrived since joining Ben Pauling two and a half years ago. She is a great team player and an effective, determined competitor who has already overcome a challenging injury on the gallops.

Alice Price: returned to the yard physically and mentally stronger after a broken legCredit: Hannah Vowles

After breaking her leg, Alice returned to the yard physically and mentally stronger. Her attention to detail and love for horses, coupled with a desire to improve and a great sense of humour, has made her a hugely popular and valued member of the team.

Leadership Award

Rebecca Edmunds (Bryan Smart)

"Beck" joined Bryan Smart in 2005 and since then her love for her horses, the staff and the yard has never been in doubt.

Rebecca Edmunds: has helped to implement safe working practices during the pandemic

As head girl, her commitment to the horses and the team who look after them knows no bounds. She always goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure everyone in the yard is cared for.

Her veterinary knowledge and assistance in implementing safe working practices during the pandemic have been particularly important in 2020 but she can turn her hand to anything and she is the glue that holds the team together during this challenging time.

Lauren Webb (Daniel and Claire Kubler)

Yard manager Lauren sets the standard for the team and motivates those around her with her work ethic, and she is keen to focus on the development of her colleagues, professionally and personally.

Lauren Webb: has become an 'exceptional leader' as yard manager

She has become an exceptional leader in four years at Kubler Racing and has supported team members who have faced challenges.

Her quiet and consistent style of leadership, together with her empathy and desire to see others improve, is testament to her qualities as an employee and as a horsewoman.

Alex Cairns (James Fanshawe)

Alex first joined Pegasus Stables as an apprentice jockey in 1993 and, after returning three years ago, he has become the go-to man for everything related to the day-to-day running of the yard.

Alex Cairns: the go-to man at Pegasus Stables in Newmarket

He possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge and is always happy to assist others. His kind, caring and thoughtful outlook has helped him support members of staff who may be struggling.

He is always happy to guide those who are new to the yard and his skill as a horseman, together with the care he shows his colleagues, make him an inspiring and much-loved role model in the team.

Rider/Groom Award

Sarah Peacock (Tom George)

Sarah's passion for her role as travelling head person and for the horses in the yard is second to none. Since joining six years ago, she has prioritised the wellbeing of the horses above all else.

Sarah Peacock: goes above and beyond to ensure the Tom George string are turned out impeccably

From ensuring the string are always turned out impeccably to voluntarily checking out of hours and riding them out during the summer break, she prioritises the best interests of the horses.

Sarah is unfailingly kind and committed to the job and to the horses. The team at Down Farm are lucky to have her.

Faisal (Richard Phillips)

Since arriving in the Cotswolds from Pakistan in 2007, Faisal has been exemplary and has become an integral part of the team.

Faisal: an excellent judge of pace when riding work

A talented rider and an excellent judge of pace when riding work, Faisal always has suggestions to improve horses and is dedicated to getting the best out of them for the individual and the yard.

His skills as a horseman have been to the benefit of countless tricky horses in the yard and at the races, and his happy outlook and work ethic make him hugely popular with owners and colleagues alike.

Joanna Lacisz (Sir Michael Stoute)

Joanna's skill, judgement and patience as a rider have been evident since she joined Freemason Lodge four years ago. She has helped countless horses during her time in Newmarket, including the likes of Expert Eye, and she always treats each horse as an individual.

Joanna Lacisz: has helped develop high-quality horses during her time in Newmarket

Joanna is not only passionate about improving her skills and career prospects but she is always on hand to help others in the yard, giving guidance and reassurance to others in the team. She excels in and out of the saddle and is admired by all who work with her.

Stud Staff Award

Martin Languillet (Fittocks Stud)

Martin's huge thirst for knowledge and desire to constantly improve were evident as soon as he joined Fittocks Stud in 2017. He has progressed swiftly and his competence and dedication mean he covers every aspect of life on the stud to an exceptional standard.

Martin Languillet: has shown a huge thirst for knowledge since joining Fittocks Stud in 2017

His conscientious outlook – he is always the first to arrive and the last to leave – has had a meaningful impact on everyone who works with him, and he ensures everything is done to a high standard.

Martin's patience, good humour and, above all, devotion to his horses and his colleagues, mean he is respected and admired by everyone.

Tom Hughes (Hazelwood Bloodstock)

Tom has been instrumental to the success of Hazelwood Bloodstock since shortly after its inception five years ago. He operates to the highest standard in the various roles he carries out and takes great pride in preparing and presenting horses at the sales.

Tom Hughes: maintains high standards at Hazelwood Bloodstock and at the sales

He is dedicated and has helped to maintain high standards as the business has grown and taken on an additional location.

Tom’s experience and horsemanship, coupled with a shared vision to produce the best young horses through hard work and attention to detail, make him a huge asset to his colleagues and the industry.

Elody Swann (Newsells Park Stud)

Elody has been a dedicated, kind and diligent member of the team for almost 17 years. Her attention to detail, passion and care for the mares and babies, as she calls them, are second to none.

Elody Swann: has an 'efficient style of management and positive attitude'

Outside of running a barn of 28 mares and foals during the season, Elody runs one of two barns for yearling preparation and takes overall responsibility for the preparation of foals.

She can always be trusted to guide new members of staff and ensure they are happy and enjoy their work, while maintaining the very highest of standards at all times.

Her efficient style of management and positive attitude at the sales, make Elody a role model for all of her colleagues – she plays a vital role in the stud’s continued success.

Dedication Award

Joline Saunders (Richard Phillips)

Jo’s commitment to the racing industry, its staff and horses has not wavered in the 19 years she has worked at Adlestrop Stables.

Joline Saunders: has worked at Adlestrop Stables for 19 years

From handling all of the administration to looking after the staff, helping owners and organising much of the charitable work the yard has become known for, she is central to keeping Richard Phillips Racing and all who work there going on a day-to-day basis.

Always on hand to offer practical advice, updates on horses in the yard or a friendly and supportive ear, she has had a positive impact on the hundreds of staff, owners and others she has come into contact with in her years of selfless service.

Debbie Howie (John Gosden)

Debbie’s career in the racing industry has spanned more than 35 years, most recently at Clarehaven Stables, where she has worked since 2015 as head groom. In that time she has overseen some of Flat racing’s most famous names and her quiet, confident and level-headed manner has always been a significant asset to the yard.

Debbie Howe: has worked in the racing industry for more than 35 years

She has been a trusted confidante and advisor to many and the commitment and passion she shows to the horses she works with has made her a role model for those lucky enough to work with her.

Guianand (Suraj) Bissessur (William Haggas)

In his role as travelling head lad at Somerville Lodge, Suraj has exemplified the dedication and stoicism shown by many in the racing industry when facing the challenges of the past 12 months.

Guianand (Suraj) Bissessur: has helped to navigate the difficulties of international travel during the pandemic

He has helped to navigate the difficulties of international travel during the pandemic and has always ensured the horses in his care are well looked after and turned out when representing the yard.

Suraj’s calming and helpful influence has benefited not only the horses in his care, but also many of his colleagues, who he has assisted in adjusting to life away from home.

Rory MacDonald Community Award

Simon Jones (charity fundraiser)

Simon’s tireless work fundraising for Racing Welfare to provide mental health first-aiders has had a hugely positive impact.

Simon Jones: a tireless fundraiser for Racing Welfare

Having experienced the tragic consequences mental health issues can create, he has been a man on a mission to help improve the provision of mental health support for those working in the sport.

Simon’s efforts have allowed volunteers from across the industry to provide support for those struggling and. thanks to his drive, the racing community is a safer place for those in need of help.

Richard Phillips (trainer and community volunteer)

Richard has given so much of his own time and effort to make a major contribution to the racing community over the years.

Richard Phillips: has gone the extra mile during the coronavirus pandemic

Whether as an auctioneer raising huge sums of money for racing charities, helping to nurture and train young people, or by working to publicise causes close to his heart such as National Racehorse Day, he has always put the needs of others ahead of his own.

Richard has continued this selfless attitude through lockdown, ensuring his staff and owners are coping, and he continues to be a great ambassador for the racing industry and those who work in it.

Samantha Trainor (National Horseracing College)

Sam has been the backbone of much of the industry’s stable staff training and development work in the north for more than a decade.

Samantha Trainor: has developed talent for the racing industry for more than a decade

More recently she has been instrumental in rolling out wider programmes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) across the industry, and her dedication and passion for helping others has allowed these programmes to be delivered despite the pandemic.

A keen fundraiser in her time outside of work, Sam’s commitment to improving the careers and lives of those working in racing has made her an inspiration to everyone she works with.

Members can click here to download the digital newspaper every evening from 9pm. Not a member? Click here to sign up and enjoy the digital newspaper every day