National Trainers Federation announces new honour

The National Trainers Federation has announced a new initiative to help combat the long-term stable staff crisis affecting many yards.

A 'Team Champion' title will be awarded annually to the stable with employment practices that create the best team ethos, with the first winner announced at the NTF's annual general meeting next February.

The award will be judged on the methods trainers use to attract and retain staff, plus the safe working practices employed. The winning team will receive an item of infrastructure or equipment, funded by award sponsors Lycetts.

In addition to celebrating the benefits of teamwork, it is hoped the creation of a Team Champion award will demonstrate that British trainers provide rewarding and well-supported jobs.

NTF chief executive Rupert Arnold, speaking at the organisation's AGM on Thursday, said: “It is important for the NTF, as the body supporting employers, to take a lead role in initiatives to tackle staff shortages.

"The workplace is our main focus and the Team Champion award integrates with several projects we are working on relating to management practices and employee engagement for racing grooms and riders.

“We are looking for ways to recognise the role trainers and their staff, acting as a team, play in developing the foundations for a successful racing stable."

He added: "It has become the norm for trainers to acknowledge the team effort that brings success on the racecourse. Team Champion aims to identify the building blocks of that team success, encourage wider adoption of those ways of working, and celebrate the stables that do it well.”