Nominations for the 2022 Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards have opened, it has been announced today.
The awards, now in their 18th year, recognise and reward the outstanding skill, commitment and contribution of over 10,000 stud and stable staff in England, Scotland and Wales.
Sponsored by Godolphin and run by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in association with the Racing Post and Racing TV, the 2022 awards will carry prize-money totalling £128,500, with as much as £30,000 available to a single yard or stud.
With judging and the ceremony having taken place virtually in 2021 due to the pandemic, 2022 will see a welcome return to the traditional format, with judging day for the finalists on Tuesday 21 February 2022 before a London ceremony, at a venue to be announced.
Nominations will close on Tuesday 9 November 2021 and can be made online by anyone, simply by visiting the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards website at www.studandstablestaffawards.co.uk.
Video submissions will once again be accepted in advance of the 2022 awards, ensuring that the nominations procedure is as fair as possible for all those involved, irrespective of their level of written communication and language skills.
The 2022 Judging Panel will be Chaired by broadcaster Nick Luck, who did so for the first time in 2021 having taken over from Brough Scott. As is traditional, the panel will feature the previous year’s Employee of the Year, Beck Edmunds.
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said: “The past 18 months have demonstrated more than ever what a vital part the loyal, hardworking people working in the racing and breeding industries have to play in keeping the show on the road: in the racing yard, on the racecourse or on the stud farm.
“Their outstanding dedication and commitment has seen them rise to the challenges of recent times in spades and it is as important as ever that they are recognised and rewarded.
“Godolphin is delighted to continue its support for these awards and encourage anyone working in our wonderful industry to put forward their outstanding colleagues or employees for nomination.”
Nick Luck, Chair of the judging panel, said: “I was proud to take over the position of Chair from Brough Scott in 2021 and was struck by the passion, dedication and talent displayed by all nominees.
“These winners of these awards are rightly proud of their achievement and I was touched last year not only to see how much the recognition meant to the winners themselves, but also their colleagues and friends at their places of work.
“I would encourage every operation in the nation to get involved in the nomination process and be part of something that shines the greatly deserved spotlight on the sport’s vital workforce.”
Julie Harrington, Chief Executive of the BHA, said: “British racing has been faced with unprecedented challenges during the last two years and while wider social restrictions put in place to combat COVID-19 have been lifted in Britain, those working in racing continue to adhere to protocols designed to ensure the sport’s ability to continue in the face of the ongoing public health threat.
“That stud and stable staff have not only been able to adapt to a new way of working so professionally but been able to continue to ensure the high standard of care provided to each and every horse is a testament to their incredible hard work. I look forward to attending next year’s ceremony to pay tribute to the 2022 nominees and celebrate their incredible contribution to racing.”
Notes to editors:
1. View a Fact Sheet which outlines full details of the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards
