Award categories

Leadership Award (Stud or Stable)

Sponsored by the Victoria Racing Club

Trophy and $10,000 to the winner. $3,000 to the runner-up.

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.

 

Horsemanship Award (Stud or Stable)

Sponsored by Inglis

Trophy and $10,000 to the winner. $3,000 to the runner-up.

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.

 

Dedication to Breeding Award

Sponsored by Magic Millions

Trophy and $10,000 to the winner. $3,000 to the runner-up.

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.

 

Dedication to Racing Award

Sponsored by the Australian Turf Club

Trophy and $10,000 to the winner. $3,000 to the runner-up.

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.

 

Administrative and Ancillary Services Award

Sponsored by the MRC Foundation

Trophy and $10,000 to the winner. $3,000 to the runner-up.

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.

 

Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award

Sponsored by Queensland Off-The-Track

Trophy and $10,000 to the winner. $3,000 to the runner-up.
An Award to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the care and welfare of thoroughbreds who have left the industry (racing and breeding). They may have supported horses as they transition to a second career via rehoming/retraining, worked with the people/riders who interact with them or actively participated in activities that showcased the horses’ versatility. For example, a nominee may be a member or coach from organisations such as Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia or Pony Club Australia, a stud/stable employee, or someone who demonstrates an active passion for thoroughbred care and welfare. (The winner will not be eligible for the Thoroughbred Excellence Award.)
 

Newcomer Award (Stud or Stable)

Sponsored by Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Marcus Oldham College

Trophy, $5,000 to the winner. $3,000 to the runner-up.

An Award to an individual who has worked in the industry, in any capacity, for less than five 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.)

 

Thoroughbred Excellence Award – Overall Award (Stud or Stable)

Sponsored by Godolphin

Trophy and an additional $5,000 to the winner.

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