A record number of entries have been received for the annual Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, with entries rising by a staggering 50 percent on last year and reaching an all-time high in the nine-year history of the Awards.

Nominations for the Awards, which take place on Monday March 4th in London, flooded in from yards and studs of all sizes around the country with trainers, owners and colleagues eager to recognise the outstanding work and dedication of stud and stable employees.

Brough Scott, who oversees the judging panel, said:

“It’s wonderful that the entries are up by 50 percent, which is a tribute to the growing profile of the awards and the recognition amongst the Racing industry that the work of these dedicated and remarkable individuals is worthy of praise and reward.”

A long-list of 10 names will now be selected in each category before the panel of judges narrows this down to a short-list of three. Those short-listed nominees will then be invited to meet with the judges in London on Sunday March 3rd.

The Awards, which are sponsored by Godolphin and run by the British Horseracing Authority in association with the Racing Post, are divided into the following categories; the High Achiever Award, the Rider/Groom Award, the Stud Staff Award, Dedication to Racing Award, the David Nicholson Newcomer Award and the Administration Staff Award. The finalists in each of these categories will receive a cash prize as well as the opportunity to attend the glamorous ceremony at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in Knightsbridge.

The Employee of the Year will then be selected from the winners of the High Achiever, Rider/Groom, Stud Staff and Dedication to Racing categories, with the winner receiving an additional prize of £15,000.

As well as rewarding individual achievement, the Awards benefit the whole team, with separate cash prizes awarded to the yard of each winner. Two runners up in the five main categories will also receive a cash prize along with their yard or stud.