The winners and finalists from the 2022 Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards were honoured in person in Newmarket in Friday following the virtual ceremony that took place earlier this year. 

Prizes were awarded during an event televised by Racing TV in February, which Friday’s gathering providing an opportunity for those who achieved recognition to be honoured once again in person. 

The event began with a trophy presentation ceremony at Godolphin’s stunning Dalham Hall Stud on the outskirts of Newmarket, hosted by Racing TV’s Nick Lightfoot before the group enjoyed a parade of some of the Darley stallions at Dalham Hall Stud, including Masar, Cracksman and the great Dubawi.

It was then on to the nearby Rowley Mile Racecourse to enjoy lunch and the first day of the Dubai Future Champions Festival, capping a memorable day for all involved. 

The 2022 Employee of the Year Award went to Johnston Racing’s Paddy Trainor, for whom the opportunity to enjoy a day at the races outside of a working capacity was a special one. 

Paddy, a familiar face to any regular racegoer, said: “Today has been a very special day, having the chance to celebrate with all of the finalists and winners in person. A lot of them are very good friends and so to see them was great. 

“I’m usually on the other side of the rails leading horses up during the summer, so it has been a special day for me and my wife, Sam. She has been a huge support to me through a lot of things, so it’s been wonderful to be able to spend a day like this with her.” 

Reflecting on having won the prestigious honour earlier in the year, Paddy said: “I’m still over the moon about it all. This year when I’ve been going racing, or even just walking around Middleham, I’ve had people coming up to me and congratulating me, which is very rewarding, and I was overwhelmed by all of the cards and congratulatory messages I received from people in our industry from around the world. 

“I hope my experience can encourage people to join our industry, and for those more experienced to nurture and train their younger colleagues.”  

Paddy’s day was capped by presenting the prizes to the winning connections of Pogo, ridden by William Buick and trained by Charlie Hills, following the Group 2 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes. 

The awards have been revamped for 2023 and are now known as the Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, with nominations opened for all categories last week. 

Nominating provides an opportunity for employees from across the various areas of the thoroughbred industry, be it in training yards, studs or in administrative roles, to be celebrated for their hard work and dedication to the sport. 

Nominations can be made online by anyone, simply by visiting the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards website at thoroughbredawards.co.uk. 

Notes to editors:

1. More information on the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards can be found on this fact sheet.