• Nominations are open until Thursday 5 November 2026
• £128,500 in prize money to be won across six categories
• Awards ceremony returns to York Racecourse in February 2027

Nominations open today for the 2027 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin.

Organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and supported by the Racing Post and Racing TV, the awards recognise, reward and celebrate the exceptional individuals working in training yards, studs and across the racing and breeding industry.

There is an incredible £128,500 in prize money available to be won across six award categories, with £30,000 awarded to the overall Employee of the Year.

Earlier this year, Kieran Kourdache, travelling head groom for Karl Burke Racing, won the Rider Racing Groom award before being crowned overall Employee of the Year – securing £15,000 for himself and another £15,000 to be shared with colleagues at Spigot Lodge.

Ed Chamberlin, Harry Skelton and William Buick presenting Kieran Kourdache with the 2026 Employee of the Year award

In 2027 the prestigious awards ceremony returns to York Racecourse on 22 February, where 18 finalists will take part in the final round of judging before the winners are revealed at the star-studded evening celebrations.

Nominations for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are open until 5pm on Thursday 5 November 2026.

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.

A shortlist of ten nominations in each category will move forward to the second round of judging. Each of the shortlisted nominees will win at least £250 in prize money.

From there, the 18 finalists across six categories will advance to the final judging stage and the evening ceremony in February, where the winners will be announced.

Brant Dunshea, BHA Chief Executive, said:

“Our industry is successful because of the thousands of dedicated individuals who provide expert care for our horses, support our people and make a positive difference in our communities.

“And the awards are the ultimate celebration of our people. They shine a deserved spotlight on their hard work and commitment, and reward them with significant cash prizes. Thanks to the longstanding sponsorship of our partners Godolphin there’s a massive £128,500 to be won.

“So if you know someone working in our yards or studs, or a community champion who deserves to be honoured for their commitment to British racing and breeding, please nominate them today. We hope to be celebrating them at York Racecourse in February.”

Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said:

“The outstanding and dedicated people who work in racing and breeding are the foundation of our industry and the TIEAs provide a wonderful platform for them to be duly recognised.

“Godolphin is extremely proud to continue its sponsorship of these awards and I would encourage everyone to nominate their exceptional employees or colleagues.”

William Derby, Chief Executive of York Racecourse said: 

“We are delighted that the awards will return to York Racecourse in February and we look forward to welcoming the finalists and celebrating the exceptional people at the heart of British racing.

“Yorkshire was represented in outstanding style in 2026, with three category winners and the Employee of the Year hailing from Middleham, and we hope the county will enjoy similar success in 2027 here at York Racecourse!”