Award categories

An award to an individual staff member in a managerial or supervisory role in a stud or stable who has displayed leadership qualities – in particular in terms of quality people management, mentoring and support of staff, attention to workplace health and safety, commitment to continuous improvement and displaying good business acumen.

An award to an individual staff member who has shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability in or out of the saddle. Must include an affinity with horses and gives a priority to animal welfare. Must demonstrate a degree of success with the thoroughbred, whether it be in breeding or racing or both, that has been borne out of their particular skill set.

An award to an individual staff member who has shown talent in thoroughbred breeding horsemanship, consistency and reliability in a stud role. Must have at least 5 years service in the breeding industry and must have been pivotal in his or her employer’s success.

An award to an individual staff member who has shown talent for horsemanship in the racing field, consistency and reliability in racing role. Must have at least 5 years service in the racing industry and must have been pivotal in his or her employer’s success.

An award to an individual staff member who works in an administration role in a stud or racing yard or services ancillary to racing or breeding (such as Race Club administrators and staff, stud or stable administration staff, farm, garden and maintenance staff). Must demonstrate exceptional skills, loyalty or some achievement that has added value to their employer’s business, and directly or indirectly to industry standards.

An award to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the care and welfare of thoroughbreds who are not actively racing, and/or created a greater awareness, passion and care for the thoroughbred horse in its second/alternate career (breeding, breaking, pre and post racing career, re-homing, retraining, providing a comfortable retirement etc.). These may be, for example, a quite achiever/ paid or volunteer in retraining or re-homing of the thoroughbred. (This winner will not be eligible for the Thoroughbred Excellence Award).

An award to an individual who has worked in the industry, in any capacity, for less than 3 years. Winner will display passion for, pride in and an excellent contribution to, the thoroughbred industry. The winner will stand out from other newcomers and will be identified as a future and significant valuable member of this industry. (This winner will not be eligible for the Thoroughbred Excellence Award)

Winner to be selected from one of the five categories (i.e. excludes Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award and The Newcomer Award). Must have made a significant, exceptional contribution to the industry.