Nominations are open for the Awards that drive Australia's thoroughbred industry

The latest opportunity to celebrate the work of a colleague, to motivate an employee or simply to appreciate the work done by all those who work in the back rooms, offices and stable blocks of the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry has arrived with the opening of nominations for the 2023 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

BUT DON’T HESITATE – the nomination deadline is FRIDAY, 17 FEBRUARY.

Now in their ninth year, the Awards have directly rewarded more than 100 workers whose vital contributions to the industry is so often taken for granted.

All of them have the opportunity to again be acknowledged, thanks to the Awards conducted by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Racing Australia with the global support of Godolphin and a list of industry sponsors.

In 2023, the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards will again offer cash prizes in seven categories covering all aspects of racing, breeding and associated areas.

Awards will be made in the categories of Leadership, Dedication to Racing, Dedication to Breeding, Administrative or Ancillary Staff, Horsemanship, Thoroughbred Care and Welfare, and there is a Newcomer Award for anyone who has worked in any area for less than three years.

The overall Excellence Award is chosen from these five Award categories: Dedication to Breeding; Dedication to Racing; Leadership; Horsemanship and Administration & Ancillary Services Each of the Awards, except the Newcomer, carries a prize of $10,000 to the winner and $3,000 to the runner up.

The Newcomer Award winner receives a $5000 prize and may receive an educational experience in Australia tailored to the individual. The winner of the Excellence Award receives $5000 in addition to their category Award. While winning an Award is certainly appreciated, to simply be nominated is so often thanks enough.

As the 2022 Horsemanship award winner Adam Shankley says: “Everyone likes to hear that they are doing a great job .... it is so important to let people know they are recognised and appreciated.” For Sacha Roberts, winning last season’s Newcomer Award, provided direction to her life.

“Awards like this are so important for people who might not know what they want to do,” Sacha says.

“A year ago, I had no idea what I wanted to do .... now I’ve found a lifelong passion.”

Thoroughbred Care and Welfare is an area that evokes plenty of emotion, so it is hardly a coincidence that the nominations year-after-year possess special qualities – and as last year’s runner-up in the category Grace Chantler proves, you don’t have to collect the main prize to feel like a winner.

“Over the years I’ve admired all those who have won these Awards, but when I became a finalist, I was in shock,” Chantler says.

“To be acknowledged among all those who are doing this sort of work is amazing.”

In 2022 the SSSA has the backing of sponsors from across the racing and breeding industry for each of the seven Award categories.

Again in 2023, the SSSA are supported by Magic Millions (Dedication to Breeding), the Australian Turf Club (Dedication to Racing), William Inglis and Son (Horsemanship), Racing Queensland (Thoroughbred Care and Welfare), Victoria Racing Club (Leadership), Melbourne Racing Club Foundation (Administration and Ancillary Services), Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Marcus Oldham College (Newcomer). The Excellence Award is sponsored by Godolphin.

All nominations must be accompanied by a testimonial detailing the reasons why your nominee deserves an Award and should be lodged online at www.studandstablestaffawards.com.au

So, don’t waste a moment – nominate a mate for the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards before midnight, Friday, February 17.

Further details can be obtained from sssa@studandstablestaffawards.com.au