Dual Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett MBE will be the guest of honour at the ceremony for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin.

The annual celebration of British racing’s workforce, which will take place at York Racecourse on Monday 24 February, will be hosted by leading racing and sports broadcaster Rishi Persad.

A renowned event rider, Laura has represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games, winning team event gold medals at Tokyo 2020 and earlier this year at the games in Paris.

These achievements form part of a glittering equestrian CV, which also include an individual bronze medal in Paris and victory at five-star level at Badminton Horse Trials.

Her lifelong dedication to horses and their welfare, as well as to mental health awareness within the equestrian community, saw Laura awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to equestrianism.

Nominations for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are open until Tuesday 5 November and should be made online at www.thoroughbredawards.co.uk.

There are six award categories to choose from and £128,500 in prize money available to be won, generously provided by Godolphin.

On being named the guest of honour, Laura Collett MBE said:

“I am delighted to be part of the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, which is a wonderful opportunity for horseracing to pay tribute to the people who contribute so much to this incredible sport.

“Having worked closely with horses all my life and through running my own yard, I know the importance of having a strong team, with skilled, passionate and dedicated people that provide our horses with world-class care. It will be a privilege to meet the 2025 finalists and hear their stories.

“With nominations open until 5 November, I hope everyone across the industry will nominate their colleagues and friends and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Hosting February’s event will be ITV Racing and Racing TV presenter, Rishi Persad, who added:

“I’m a big supporter of the awards and I know how much they mean to all those involved, whether they reach the final, make the shortlist or even the pride in being nominated.

“You never know, the 2025 Employee of the Year could be at your yard or stud right now, so please do get your nominations in by 5 November!

“The ceremony itself is always a very special occasion and undoubtedly one of the highlights of the racing calendar. I am delighted to have been asked to host the 2025 renewal, with the presence of Laura Collett adding to what promises to be an unforgettable evening.”