Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

Almost apologetically, David Porter-Mackrell laments that he might not make the most engaging subject for an interview, despite the practice he's gained in the days since he was named the Employee of the Year at the 2024 Godolphin-sponsored Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). "I feel a bit awkward doing these things to be perfectly honest with you," he confesses. "It is overwhelming, talking about me, what I do and all that--I'm more comfortable hidden behind the horse! "I'm just keen to make sure I...

Trainer Paul Nicholls has led the tributes to Keagan Kirkby, the amateur rider who tragically died after a fall at Charing point-to-point on Sunday. In a statement released by the Injured Jockeys Fund, the 14-time Champion National Hunt trainer, with whom Kirkby was based, described Kirkby as "one of our best, hardworking lads." Nicholls said, "Life is so hard sometimes, winners totally insignificant compared to what has happened today. Sadly, Keagan Kirkby, one of our best, hardworking lads lost his life today riding in a point-to-point. All at Team Ditcheat...

The shortlisted nominees for the various 2024 UK Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards were announced on Tuesday. Organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and sponsored by Godolphin, the awards, worth £128,500, will be hosted by ITV Racing's Ed Chamberlin at Ascot Racecourse on Feb. 26, 2024. All shortlisted nominees will receive a £250 prize to recognise the significant achievement of having reached this stage of the judging process. The shortlisted nominees for each category are:   David Nicholson Newcomer Chloe Blaikie (Katie Scott) Daria Bogash (Charlie Longsdon) Tyler Bowden-Falvey (James...

Winners were named across seven categories with a total of $122,000 awarded at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, now in its eighth year in the United States, which concluded Tuesday evening at Keeneland Racecourse's Entertainment Center, Godolphin said in a press release after the event. For the first time this year, in addition to the three finalists in each category, two alternates were also chosen and received monetary rewards. Todd Schrupp, FanDuel TV analyst, served as the master of ceremonies. Tom Law, Saratoga Special Managing Editor and this year's judging...

Nominations for the 2023 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin, will close on Monday, Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. The awards recognize and showcase the skills, experience and dedication of men and women in the Irish thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. Anyone working in any role in the industry can be nominated by a friend or colleague. There are seven Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and a Newcomer Award, and all eight winners are eligible for the Irish Racing Excellence Award, which will be announced at the awards...

The finalists and runners-up for the 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), set for Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Keeneland, were named in a release by Godolphin late Thursday. Sara Gordon, TDN's Social Media Manager, is a finalist for the Newcomer Award. Gordon, a native of Woodbine, Maryland, is a lifelong equestrian who parlayed her love of horses into a career in turf writing. She is based in Lexington, Kentucky. With finalists in six categories, the winner and runner-up of the seventh category, the Dr. J. David "Doc" Richardson Community Award,...

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin, named 1/ST Racing as a new sponsor and also the inclusion of Canadian nominations for 2023, the organization said in a release Thursday. 1/ST Racing will sponsor the Support Services Award, which is one of seven categories in which nominations can be made this year. "1/ST Racing is honored and excited to be part of this important industry initiative that recognizes the hard-working individuals who are the backbone of our industry," said Jodie Vella-Gregory, Vice President of Industry Relations. Another change...

Sarah Guest, the yard manager for trainer John O'Shea, was named the Employee of the Year during the 2023 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards sponsored by Godolphin in ceremonies held Monday evening at York Racecourse. It was the first in-person event since 2020 and was held for the first time in Yorkshire. Guest took home a cash prize of £10,000 and an additional £10,000 to be divided among her colleagues at the John O'Shea yard. Earlier in the evening, Guest was also presented with the Leadership Award, carrying a £5,000 prize...

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards concluded this afternoon during an awards ceremony at Keeneland Racecourse's Sales Pavilion. Winners were announced in a total of seven categories with a total of $122,000 awarded. Frank Mirahmadi, track announcer at Santa Anita and Saratoga Racecourse, served as the master of ceremonies. The full list of winners and runners-up is as follows: Newcomer Award, sponsored by NYRA Winner: Johnathan Estrada, Groom, David Donk (Runners-up: Charles Churchill, Ed Brown Society and 1/ST Racing Intern, Stronach Group; Maddie Rowland, Apprentice Jockey Monmouth Park, Elizabeth Merryman nominator)...

Nominations for the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards 2023, sponsored by Godolphin, opened on Wednesday. Formerly the UK Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards, the awards are 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. The nomination period closes on Nov. 8. Run by the British Horse Racing Authority (BHA) in association with the Racing Post and Racing TV, the awards carry a prize-money...

The finalists for the 2021 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards have been announced, including three finalists in six of the seven categories, as well as the winner and runner-up of the Thoroughbred Industry Community Award. This year's Community Award winner is Nick Caras of the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy, with Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association's Diana Pinones as runner-up. While the 2020 awards ceremony was held virtually, the 2021 finalists will be honored during an awards ceremony at Keeneland Oct. 15. The weekend includes travel and accommodation for out-of-town finalists, a tour...

John A. Hall, the longtime yearling manager at Taylor Made Farm and a member of one of New England's most prominent Thoroughbred racing families, died May 22 after fighting cancer for several years. Frank Taylor, the vice president of boarding operations at Taylor Made, who worked closely with Hall, confirmed the death to TDN Monday. He said Hall died at his Delaware home in the presence of his wife and family members after receiving hospice care. Hall's age was unavailable and funeral information was not yet complete. "John was just...