Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards 2021
The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff, acknowledging the huge contribution they make to the Irish Racing and Bloodstock Industry.
These extraordinary efforts were duly recognised this week when the 2021 awards took place and were broadcast on Racing TV.
ITBA is delighted to once again be involved in this great event.
The 11 award categories carry over €85,000 in prizemoney which is divided among the winners, finalists and their employers. In addition, the winner in each category receives a specially commissioned trophy by sculptor Ani Mollereau.
Shane O’Dwyer, ITBA CEO, said: “The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards are a wonderful opportunity for the thoroughbred industry to acknowledge and appreciate all those working in both the breeding and racing sectors in Ireland. We should be very proud of the dedication and resilience of our committed stud and stable staff, who are at the very heart and core of our wonderful industry. Many congratulations to all the very deserving finalists and winners.”
The winners and runners-up for the 2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards are:
Irish Racing Excellence Award
Valerie Keatley, Head Girl, Johnny Murtagh, Co Kildare
Racing and Breeding Support Services Award
Helen O'Sullivan, Career Coach, Irish Jockeys' Trust, Co Kildare
The runners-up are:
Cathy Healy, Office Manager, Healy Racing Photography, Co Kerry
Niall Kennedy, Owner Equestrian Laundry, Co Kildare
Administration Award
Anne O'Connor, Racing Secretary, Michael Halford, Co Kildare
The runners-up are:
Aoife Hanratty, Stud Secretary, Oghill House Stud, Co Kildare
Marie Rowley, Racing Secretary, Pat Flynn, Co Waterford
Newcomer Award
Keith Lynam, Stud Groom, Ringfort Stud, Co Offaly
The runners-up are:
Nicholas Cope, Stud Groom, Ballyphilip Stud, Co Limerick
Kelly Rae, Groom, Sarah Lynam, Co Meath
Horse Care Award
Emmett Raher, Head Lad, Henry de Bromhead, Co Waterford
The runners-up are:
Jennifer Breslin, Assistant Broodmare Manager, Ballylinch Stud, Co Kilkenny
George Dobbs, Stud Hand, Staffordstown Stud, Co Meath
In The Saddle Award
David Glennon, Stable Lad, Dermot Weld, Co Kildare
The runners-up are:
Ray Michael Cody, Head Lad, Ray P Cody, Co Kilkenny
Diarmuid Keeling, Exercise Rider & Groom, Willie Mullins, Co Carlow
Leadership Award (Stud)
Caroline Hannon, Manager, Newtown Stud, Co Kildare
The runners-up are:
Brian Delahunt, Stud Groom, Baroda Stud, Co Kildare
Agathe Lebailly, Stud Groom, Kilfrush Stud, Co Limerick
Leadership Award (Stable)
Valerie Keatley, Head Girl, Johnny Murtagh, Co Kildare
The runners-up are:
Adrien Bolger, Yard Manager, Jessica Harrington, Co Kildare
Damien Byrne, Team Leader, Joseph O'Brien, Co Kilkenny
Dedication to Racing and Breeding Award
Ger Brabston, Horsebox Driver, Derrinstown Stud, Co Kildare
The runners-up are:
David Flynn, Travelling Head Lad, Michael Grassick, Co Kildare
Michael Lyons, Second Man, Mount Coote Stud, Co Limerick
Special Recognition Award
Dr Jennifer Pugh, Senior Medical Officer, IHRB
Racecourse Award
Tramore Racecourse
Well done to all involved!