Nominations Open for 2023 Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Organizers are urging Australia's Thoroughbred industry employers to use the festive season to recognize the sector's huge workforce—who keep it running 365 days a year—by nominating people for the 2023 Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

The annual awards, across seven categories with a total prize pool of AU$100,000, aims to recognize and reward the dedication, hard work, and passion of the people who are at the heart of the Australian Thoroughbred industry: the stud and stable staff.

The awards, first launched in 2015, are supported by a range of supporters, including Godolphin, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Inglis, and Magic Millions, with nominations for next year's categories now open.

ANZ Bloodstock News is also supporting the annual awards as a media partner.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia chief executive Tom Reilly believes the Stud and Stable Staff Awards are a great way to acknowledge the employees who get up each and every day to ensure the industry runs smoothly.

"I have been lucky enough to go to the awards every year. It's just a wonderful celebration of the women and men in the industry who keep the wheels turning 365 days a year," Reilly said yesterday.

"I think it also provides a great opportunity for employers and other people to nominate staff as a way of acknowledging their hard work. 

"It is something for people to think about in that even going through the process of nominating people is a way of saying to someone that you value their effort."

Nominations can be made via the https://www.studandstablestaffawards.com.au/ website. Reilly said the awards were all-encompassing, not just for staff who work for the big farms or the big racing stables.

"The nomination process has been designed to be very straightforward, and we're opening up the nominations nice and early to give people lots of time to think about it," he said. 

"People have got almost two months to give it some thought and to get their application in and we acknowledge all those who are finalists. 

"If you look at the honor roll of past winners, it's a great example; we've had winners from right across the country, from small farms, big farms, big trainers, small trainers, so really judges are looking for people who have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about nominating someone to get on and do it."

He added: "The very first awards, the overall winner was Jenny Watson from Tasmania. She had worked at Armidale Stud for many, many years. 

"Jenny was a great winner, but in its subsequent years we've really demonstrated that you don't have to be from one of the bigger farms or one of the bigger trainers; the judges are really making their judgments based on the quality of the nominees."

Nominations for the 2023 Stud and Stable Staff Awards close Feb. 17, with the awards ceremony set for May 24 on the Gold Coast, coinciding with the Magic Millions National Sale.

Leadership Award (Stud or Stable)—Sponsored by the Victoria Racing Club—Trophy and AU$10,000 to the winner. AU$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 AU$10,000 to the winner. AU$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 AU$10,000 to the winner. AU$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 of 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 AU$10,000 to the winner. AU$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 of 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 AU$10,000 to the winner. AU$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 Racing Queensland—Trophy and AU$10,000 to the winner. AU$3,000 to the runner-up.

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, rehoming, retraining, providing a comfortable retirement, etc.). This may be, for example, a quiet achiever/paid or volunteer in retraining or rehoming of the Thoroughbred. (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, AU$5,000 to the winner. AU$3,000 to the runner-up.

An award to an individual who has worked in the industry, in any capacity, for less than three years. The winner will display a 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 AU$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.