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 in thoroughbred breeding horsemanship, consistency and reliability in a stud role. Must have at least five years’ service in the breeding industry and must have been pivotal in their employer’s success.

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

An award to an individual who works in any administrative or other support service role within the thoroughbred racing and breeding sectors. This includes, but is not limited to, administration/corporate roles, sales positions, auctioneers, gardeners, veterinary practices, farriers, barrier attendants, horse transport, grounds staff in sales companies, breeding farms or racecourses, horse dentists and physiotherapists.

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 giving 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 born out of their particular skill set.

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.). This may be, for example, a quiet achiever/ paid or volunteer in retraining or re-homing of the thoroughbred. (The 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 three years. The 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.)

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