Contenders emerge as 2024 Stud And Stable Staff Awards shortlist announced
A host of employees from some of Australia’s biggest farms and racing yards feature among the nominees for the prestigious 2024 Stud And Stable Staff Awards, the shortlists for which were announced yesterday.
The individuals have been carefully selected by the shortlisting committee for their outstanding contributions and commitment to excellence within the thoroughbred industry.
“This year, the quality of nominations for the awards has truly been outstanding. We’ve witnessed an exceptional standard across the board,” Mel Weatherley, chair of the Stud And Stable Staff Awards shortlisting committee, said.
“It’s essential to recognise that the people within our industry are the true backbone. Their dedication and passion has to be rewarded.
“Now, the judging panel is diving into the tough job of going through the shortlisted nominees to pick out the two finalists. It’s a thorough process because all the nominees are so impressive.”
A total of eight awards will be handed out at the ceremony, which will take place on the Gold Coast on May 29. The two finalists for each category will be announced on March 29.
The winners of the awards for Leadership, Horsemanship, Dedication To Breeding, Dedication To Racing, Administrative And Ancillary Services and Thoroughbred Care And Welfare Award will each receive $10,000 and a trophy, while the runners up in those categories will be given $3,000.
The winners of the Newcomer Award will pick up $5,000 and a trophy, with the runner–up receiving $3,000. The winner of the overall Thoroughbred Excellence Award will be handed an additional $5,000.
Leadership Award (Stud or Stable)
- Bailey Allen – Seymour Park, VIC
- Ben Gunn – Yulong Investments, VIC
- Fionnan McCarthy – McEvoy Mitchell Racing, VIC
- Jim Carey – Newgate Farm, NSW
- Paul Reid – Godolphin, NSW
Horsemanship Award (Stud or Stable)
- Adam Daly – Newgate Farm, NSW
- Adam Maitland – Godolphin, NSW
- Arda Tascioglu – Freelancer, NSW
- Dennis Gilmanov – Segenhoe Stud, NSW
- Hazel Fertier – Freelancer, SA
Dedication to Breeding Award
- Diane Colebrook – Armidale Stud, TAS
- Haley Forde – Aquis Farm, QLD
- Ngyrie Gonzalez – Alwyn Park Stud, WA
- Rhys Coghlan – Yulong Investments, VIC
- Sorcha Sweeny – Yulong Investments, VIC
Dedication to Racing Award
- Fiona Fletcher – Greg Eurell Racing, VIC
- Ian Smith – Annabel Neasham, NSW
- Peter Jones – Self-employed, SA
- Timothy Hanley – McEvoy Mitchell Racing, VIC
- Trudie Clarke – TRNT, NT
Administration and Ancillary Award (Stud or Stable)
- Belinda Miller – Sledmere Stud, NSW
- Emma Cully – Star Thoroughbreds, NSW
- Emma Parkinson – Vinery Stud, NSW
- Matt Harrington – Danny O’Brien Racing, VIC
- Matthew Comerford – Widden Stud, NSW
- Sophie Johnson – Michael Freedman Racing, NSW
- Wayne Massingham – Inglis, NSW
Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award
- Emily Kendall – Sheany Park, NSW
- Julie Bramucci – Self-employed, VIC
- Kate Rogers – Self-employed, QLD
- Nicole Mutimer – NT Institute of Equestrian Sport, NT
- Rebecca Henry – Self-employed, QLD
Newcomer Award (Stud or Stable)
- Erin Lowry – Godolphin, NSW
- Isabelle Toole – Vinery Stud, NSW
- Jack Fonteyn – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing, NSW
- Matilda Jones – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing, NSW
- Shane Wormington – Clear Mountain Fairview, QLD