“Nominate now” is the message from York Racecourse’s Anthea Leigh, as she joins the judging panel for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.

A successful former jockey whose career highlight came when winning the Topham Trophy at Aintree aboard JJ Henry in 1991, Anthea has vast experience of British racing and the people on who the industry depends.

Now Racing Manager and Raceday Clerk of the Course at York Racecourse following a 14-year stint at the helm of Cartmel, Anthea joins the panel for the 2025 awards cycle in place of fellow Clerk of the Course, Sulekha Varma, who is stepping back from judging for this year.

Nominations for the awards are open until Tuesday 5 November 2024 and can be made online by visiting www.thoroughbredawards.co.uk.

The TIEA ceremony returns to York Racecourse in February 2025 for what promises to be a spectacular occasion, with £128,500 to be won across six award categories.

And with the ceremony on home turf, Anthea is keen to see a bumper crop of nominations:

“It’s an honour to be asked to join the judging panel for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and I’m very much looking forward to meeting this year’s nominees and finding out more about their roles.

“I know from experience working in various roles across the industry just how important it is that we shine this spotlight on the people who provide the highest standards of care for our horses and get them to the racecourse in the finest condition.

“I would encourage people to nominate their friends, colleagues, employees – anyone who you think deserves to be recognised for their contribution, please nominate them now. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to show our appreciation and celebrate the very best of British racing and breeding.”

Commenting on Anthea’s appointment, Chair of the judging panel Nick Luck said:

“We are always extremely fortunate in managing to attract judges of the highest quality, and in welcoming Anthea we have again secured the valuable services of someone steeped in British racing and with attributes aplenty.

“But of course we need everyone involved in our industry to get your nominations in and really put these judging credentials to the test.

“With six categories to choose from and staggeringly good prize money to be won, please don’t miss the opportunity to help us celebrate the exceptional individuals who make our industry tick.”

Notes to editors:
1. Nominations for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin are open until Tuesday 5 November and can be made online by anyone by visiting www.thoroughbredawards.co.uk