- Nominations are open until Tuesday 4 November 2025
- £128,500 in prize money to be won across six categories
- Ascot Racecourse to host prestigious ceremony in February 2026
Nominations open today for the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin.
With £128,500 in prize money to be won across six categories, the awards shine a spotlight on the skill, dedication and passion of the people at the heart of British racing and breeding.
Organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and supported by the Racing Post and Racing TV, the awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional individuals working in our training yards, studs and the wider industry.
Last year, Simone Meloni secured the Rider / Racing Groom award before being crowned overall Employee of the Year – winning £30,000 for himself and colleagues at Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows.
The prestigious TIEA ceremony returns to Ascot Racecourse on 23 February 2026, where 18 finalists will go through the final round of judging before the winners are revealed at the star-studded evening celebrations.
Ascot was represented in last year’s awards by Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Jacqui Greet – a finalist in the Community category for her outstanding work through Ascot Racecourse Supports, the racecourse’s community and charity programme.
Nominations for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are open until 5pm on Tuesday 4 November 2025.
The awards are open to anyone working in the racing and breeding industry in England, Scotland, and Wales. Nominations can be made by employers, colleagues or friends at: thoroughbredawards.co.uk
All nominations will be reviewed by an expert judging panel, chaired by award-winning broadcaster Nick Luck, with a shortlist of ten per category moving forward for a second round of judging. From there, 18 finalists across six categories will advance to the final judging stage and the evening ceremony, at which the winners will be announced.
BHA Acting Chief Executive, Brant Dunshea, said:
“The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are the ultimate celebration of our people – rewarding the extraordinary skill and dedication that exists throughout British racing and breeding.
“Having worked in yards myself I know how important it is to recognise the individuals at the heart of our sport, providing expert care for our horses and looking after our people.
“Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Godolphin, winners and finalists not only receive the plaudits of their friends and peers, but secure significant cash prizes for themselves and their yard, stud or charity of choice.
“We’re also delighted this year that Ascot Racecourse will be joining the Racing Post and Racing TV as a formal awards partner – further cementing the close ties between Ascot and the TIEA and ensuring everyone has an evening to savour at the ceremony itself.
“If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their contribution to our industry, please do nominate them today.”
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said:
“For over 20 years now, Godolphin has been very proud to support the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.
“These awards rightly recognise the outstanding people who form the backbone of our industry, working to the highest standard in racing yards, on stud farms and across all areas of breeding and racing and the communities that surround us.
“I encourage everyone, whether employer, colleague or friend, to nominate now.”
Felicity Barnard, Chief Executive at Ascot Racecourse, said:
“We are thrilled to be hosting the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards again in 2026. It is always such a special evening and a brilliant way of celebrating all those people that work so hard across the sport night and day.
“We look forward to working with the team at the BHA in the build up to ensure that the judging day and evening celebrations are extra special for all those involved and can’t wait to welcome everybody to Ascot on 23 February next year.”
Notes to editors:
- Anyone can nominate a friend, colleague or employee for an award at thoroughbredawards.co.uk
- More information on the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin can be found in the fact sheet.
- The 2026 judging panel can be viewed here
