After their successful launch this year, entries are now open for the 2006 Stable Staff of the Year Awards, which will be held in central London on Tuesday 21st February 2006. Again carrying £50,000 in prizes and prize money, the Awards are the most valuable of their kind throughout the world, and celebrate the achievements of British Racing’s key workforce.
The Awards are generously sponsored by Godolphin until 2007, and run by the British Horseracing Board in association with the Racing Post. A set of nomination forms along with an accompanying letter has been sent to all licensed trainers and over 300 breeders. The deadline for entries is Monday 19th December 2005.
The Awards, judged by a panel of industry experts Chaired by Brough Scott, Editorial Director of the Racing Post, will be broken down into five categories:
1. Newcomer (less than 2 years in racing)
2. Senior Staff (to include yard and travelling staff & office administrators)
3. Rider/Groom
4. Stud Staff
5. Special Merit/Hero
One overall winner, who will emulate Roy Barrett, Head Groom at Len Lungo’s stable as Stable Employee of the Year, will be presented with a cheque for £10,000, and will be drawn from the five category winners, who will each collect £2,500. Two runners-up in each category will be awarded with £1,000.
The overall winner’s yard will also win £10,000, while the yards of the category winners will win £1,000 each. These latter prizes will be distributed in line with normal stable practice for pool money distribution.
The emphasis is on a team approach, with nominations restricted to one per category, per yard. A long list of ten in each category will be drawn up, to be reduced to a short list of three by the judging panel. Each shortlisted nominee will meet with the judging panel individually, and be invited, along with their employer, to the Awards lunch.
The Judging Panel will be as follows:
Brough Scott (Chairman) – Editorial Director, Racing Post
John Francome – Channel 4 Racing broadcaster
Stephen Hadley – Showjumper
Gill Greeves – Executive Director, British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust
David Nicholson – BHB Bloodstock Representative
Chicky Oaksey – Senior Almoner, Injured Jockeys Fund
A unanimous decision will be required from the panel for the overall winner award.
BHB Marketing Director Chris John said: “This April’s Stable Staff of the Year Awards were universally well-received, and will long be remembered by all those present. We remain enormously grateful for the contributions of Godolphin and the Racing Post, and look forward to what will no doubt be an increased number of nominations. As well as officially recognising the stars of British Racing, it is vital that we acknowledge the heroes behind the scenes.”
Editorial Director of the Racing Post, Brough Scott said: “The most important things in racing are the horses. That’s why rewarding those closest to them is such a great idea, and I am delighted to again be Chairing the Judging Panel.”
