Due to the volume of entries in previous years and the difference in the roles, the former Rider/Groom Award has been split into two separate awards – the Horse Care Award and In The Saddle Award, with a trophy and €5,000 for each winner along with €3,000 to each winning yard. The two runners-up in each category will receive €1,000.

The Leadership Award has also changed to Leads by Example Award (Stud and Stable Employees).

The Dedication to Racing and Breeding Award has increased to three finalists.

For the 2017 awards, the Racecourse Award will be chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association based on a quality programme survey with the purpose of setting quality standards for stable staff at all racecourses in Ireland.  The racecourse with the highest score will win the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Racecourse Award.

This year, Godolphin has built a website specifically for the Irish Awards www.studandstablestaffawards.ie. Its key function allows for nominations to be made online. It also includes information on all the award categories, footage and images of previous winners and frequently asked questions. The nomination form is also available to download.

In addition, every trainer, breeder and point-to-point handler will receive two nomination forms by post. Nomination forms are also available from Horse Racing Ireland’s Head Office in Ballymany in Newbridge. Bernard Caldwell from the Irish Stable Staff Association (ISSA) and his colleagues will be distributing nomination forms at upcoming race meetings and the February sales in Tattersalls and Goffs.

Nominations are open until Friday, February 10^th and must be completed online or returned to the Marketing Department in Horse Racing Ireland by 5pm.

Joe Osborne, Managing Director, Godolphin Ireland, said: “Godolphin is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2017. The high standard of the nominees was very impressive in 2016, and no doubt, will be again in 2017, the third year of our sponsorship. These awards bring well-deserved recognition to the talented and hardworking men and women who are so important to the continued prosperity of Irish breeding and racing.”

Bernard Caldwell, Irish Stable Staff Association Chairman, said: “The Irish Stablestaff Association was delighted with the volume of nominations last year. Hopefully, the option to complete a nomination form online and the direct mail campaign will further increase the number of nominations for 2017. I would encourage as many trainers, breeders, owners and managers to nominate their colleagues in order to recognise the great employees we have in our industry.”

Commenting on the awards, Michael O’Rourke, Director of Marketing and Communications, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), said: “The awards are an excellent platform to showcase the skill and dedication which all the nominees demonstrate in their jobs all year around. Godolphin’s sponsorship is a wonderful acknowledgement of all stud and stable staff who are the backbone of the industry.”