• 2021 awards will look to highlight extraordinary work done by stud and stable staff during COVID-19 and will take place virtually
• Prize money distributed more widely to include those who are shortlisted in recognition of widespread impact of the pandemic
• Nick Luck takes over as Chair of Judging Panel, with Eileen Harte of Keith Harte Bloodstock Ltd joining 

The Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards have been described as “more important than ever” as the nominations window for the 2021 awards opens today, Monday, 21 September. 

Now in their 17th year, the awards recognise and reward the outstanding skills, commitment and contribution of over 10,000 stud and stable staff in England, Scotland and Wales.

The 2021 awards will particularly look to recognise the extraordinary challenges faced by stud and stable staff in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, both during the suspension of racing to keep yards and studs moving and since its resumption to adapt to the changes brought by the virus.

The effects of COVID-19 have also brought changes to the format of the awards and judging process, with the judging day for the finalists on Monday, 22 February 2020 likely to be conducted remotely.

The subsequent awards ceremony will be replaced by an interactive virtual event, allowing finalists to be with their yards, studs, friends and family to engage with the ceremony from a familiar location. A celebratory event is being planned for summer 2021, subject to the relevant government guidance.

Nominations will close on Tuesday, 10 November and can be made by anyone on behalf of anyone working in a yard or stud via studandstablestaffawards.co.uk.

Video nominations will again be accepted for the 2021 awards to ensure the nominations procedure is as fair and inclusive as possible for all those involved.

Further detail about the awards can be found here. 

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

“In this extraordinary year it is more important than ever that we reward those dedicated, hardworking people who do so much behind the scenes of the racing and breeding industries.

“The challenges that both industries have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic have been on a scale unlike anything we have felt before, and those who work with our horses day in, day out have shown outstanding commitment in keeping our industries going.

“Godolphin is delighted to be continuing its support of these awards and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of stud and stable staff up and down the land again in 2021.”

Changes to prize money structure

Changes have been made to the prize money structure ahead of next year, to recognise the outstanding quality of shortlisted nominees in all categories.

Any applicant who makes the shortlist of 10 but does not progress to the final three will receive £250 to mark the significant achievement of making the shortlist and also to distribute existing prize money more widely, given the widespread financial impact of COVID-19.

Nick Luck takes over as Chair of judging panel

It has also been announced that broadcaster Nick Luck will take over from Brough Scott as Chair of the judging panel. Eileen Harte, co-owner of successful consignor Keith Harte Bloodstock Ltd, will also be joining the panel for the first time, as will last year’s Employee of the Year, James Frank, in line with usual protocol.

Nick Luck said:

“I’m in little doubt that in taking over from Brough I have some large shoes to fill. It’s a great pleasure to be involved in these awards and I’m sure that as ever the panel will have an unenviable task in picking the winners from what is likely to be as strong a field of nominations as there has ever been.”

Notes to editors:

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