• Prize money of £128,500 on offer across six award categories
• Nominations open until Tuesday 5 November 2024
• York Racecourse to host star-studded ceremony in February 2025

Nominations have opened today for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin.

Now in its 21st year, the awards is an opportunity to recognise and reward the exceptional individuals who care for our horses, support our people and make a positive difference in our local communities.

This industry-wide celebration of racing’s workforce sees £128,500 in prize money available to be won across six award categories – with up to £30,000 for the overall winner and their yard or stud.

And with the eyes of the racing world on the Sky Bet Ebor Festival this week, nominees who make it through to the final will be guaranteed a proper Yorkshire celebration, as the prestigious ceremony returns to York Racecourse in February 2025.

Organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and generously sponsored by Godolphin, in association with partners the Racing Post and Racing TV, the awards shines a spotlight on the thousands of people working across racing and breeding in England, Scotland and Wales.

Anyone can nominate a friend, colleague or employee for an award at thoroughbredawards.co.uk.

This may be someone who makes a significant contribution to the operation of a British-based racing yard or stud, or a community-minded individual going above and beyond to support their local area.

The TIEA ceremony has created unforgettable moments throughout the years, with Newsells Park Stud’s David Porter-Mackrell landing the Employee of the Year prize in 2024 to rapturous and heart-warming scenes in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

Nominated by the stud’s General Manager, Julian Dollar, David’s excellent horsemanship, impeccable standards and his reputation as “an absolute rock” for the organisation over a 15-year period saw him scoop the Stud Staff category on the way to securing the top award.

All nominations will be considered by our expert judging panel, chaired by the inimitable Nick Luck and comprised of highly experienced and knowledgeable figures from across British racing and breeding.

The final round of judging and awards ceremony will take place at York Racecourse on Monday 24 February 2025.

BHA Chief Executive, Julie Harrington, said:

“The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards is an opportunity to nominate someone who deserves to be rewarded for their incredible contribution to British racing and breeding.

“Thanks to the ongoing commitment of Godolphin, the winners and finalists not only secure widespread acclaim, but also significant cash prizes, which make a big difference to themselves and to yards, studs and charitable organisations across the country.

“I’m also delighted that the ceremony will be returning to York Racecourse, where we saw jubilant scenes in 2023 when Sarah Guest was crowned Employee of the Year. Yorkshire has proud history of racing and breeding and it’s a fitting venue for this gala occasion.”

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

“Godolphin recognises that our sport is built on the hard work of the outstanding people who work within it. We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and all I would ask is that people participate by nominating their exceptional colleagues or employees.”

York Racecourse Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, William Derby, said:

“People and horses are at the heart of everything we do at York Racecourse, and we are passionate about showcasing the skill and devotion of those across the industry who provide unparalleled care for our equine heroes before, during and after their career on the track.

“We’re so excited to welcome the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards back to Yorkshire, having been proud to host the ceremony in 2023. That occasion provided us with some magical moments and I’m sure this next running will be just as spectacular. We urge everyone in our sport to consider nominating an employee or colleague for an award.”

Chair of the judging panel, Nick Luck, added:

“The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards is a celebration of the very best of British racing and breeding. It’s been responsible for countless moments of unbridled joy throughout the years and underscores the abundance of passion, commitment and expertise that we are lucky to benefit from across our wonderful sport.

“Whether it’s someone relatively new to your yard or stud, a rising star, or an individual with decades of experience – if you know someone who deserves to be nominated, go to the TIEA website and tell us why they would be a worthy recipient of these truly special awards.”

Notes to editors:

1. Anyone can nominate a friend, colleague or employee for an award at thoroughbredawards.co.uk.
2. More information on the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards can be found in this fact sheet.
3. The 2025 judging panel can be viewed here.