Cody to present stud and stable staff awards

Kilkenny’s Senior Hurling Manager, Brian Cody will present the trophies at the 2017 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, at the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny on Tuesday, May 9th.

Brian will join MC Richard Forristal, Editor of the Racing Post in Ireland, in front of an audience made up of the finalists in each of the 10 categories, their family, work colleagues and representatives of all sectors of the Irish racing and breeding industry.

Brian Cody has been the manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team since 1999. The most successful inter-county manager of all time, he has led Kilkenny to 11 All-Ireland titles.

Brian Cody said: “I’m acutely aware of how important back-room staff is to all areas of sport and business. Kilkenny’s back-room team have been integral in our senior team’s success and continue to play a vital role. The same can be said for those working behind the scenes in racing — their hard work, dedication in all weather and unique horsemanship skills has significantly contributed to many Irish racing success stories at home and abroad. I’m really looking forward to meeting all the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards finalists in the Newpark Hotel on Tuesday May 9th.”

There are 10 categories, which carry total prize-money of €80,000 along with specially commissioned trophies for the winners.

- - - Godolphin, the global thoroughbred breeding and horseracing team founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the principal sponsor of the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards in association with The Irish Stablestaff Association, The Racing Post and Horse Racing Ireland. Godolphin also sponsors the equivalent Stud and Stable Staff Awards in Britain, France, Australia and the USA.

The finalists in the 2017 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards are:

Administration Award

Tom Gallagher — Stud Office Manager, Kildangan Stud, County Kildare

Catherine McAvinney - Practise Manager, Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital, County Kildare

Zoe Winston — PA/Racing Secretary, Gordon Elliott Racing, County Meath

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to the winner and €3,000 to the winner’s yard/stud/company to be divided amongst yard/stud/company employees. The two runners-up will receive €1,000 each.

Newcomer Award (stud and stable employees)

Mark Byrne — Marketing & Nominations, Ballylinch Stud, County Kilkenny

Sarah McCrory — Head Girl, Ted Walsh, County Kildare

Patrick Murray — Stable Groom, Dermot Weld, County Kildare

Prize: Trophy and €2,500 to the winner and €1,000 to the winner’s yard/stud to be divided amongst yard/stud employees. The two runners-up will receive €500 each. The Newcomer Award winner will also receive a five day educational tour to Dubai with flights and accommodation included.

Horse Care Award (stud and stable employees)

Joe Behan — Groom, Derrinstown Stud, County Kildare

Ashley Hussey — Stable Lass, Jessica Harrington, County Kildare

Elaine O’Donovan — Head Girl, Eoin Griffin, County Kilkenny

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to the winner and €3,000 to the winner’s yard to be divided amongst yard employees. The two runners-up will receive €1,000 each.

In the Saddle Award (stud and stable employees)

Brendan Hoare — Stud Groom, Coolmore Stud, County Tipperary

Derek McCormack — Assistant Head Lad / Work Rider, Dermot Weld, County Kildare

Adrian Taylor — Assistant Trainer, Jim Bolger, County Carlow

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to the winner and €3,000 to the winner’s yard/stud to be divided amongst yard/stud employees. The two runners-up will receive €1,000 each.

Travelling Head Person Award

Patrick O’Brien — Travelling Head Lad, Dermot Weld, County Kildare

Camilla Sharples — Travelling Head Girl, Gordon Elliott, County Meath

Hazel Wallace — Travelling Head Girl, Tracey Collins, County Kildare

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to the winner and €3,000 to the winner’s yard to be divided amongst yard employees. The two runners-up will receive €1,000 each.

Leads by Example Award (stud and stable employees)

Robert Hennessy — Head Man, Sandra Hughes, County Kildare

Joseph Mulholland — Head Man Rathbride Yard, Dermot Weld, County Kildare

Owen Smyth — Head Stallion Man, Kildangan Stud, County Kildare

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to the winner and €3,000 to the winner’s yard/stud to be divided amongst yard/stud employees. The two runners-up will receive €1,000 each.

Dedication to Racing and Breeding Award

Tony Coyle — Stud Manager, Yeomanstown Lodge Stud, County Kildare

Robert Gallagher —Head Man, Michael Halford, County Kildare

Tommy Woods — Travelling Head Man, Paul Nolan, County Wexford

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to the winner and €3,000 to the winner’s yard/stud to be divided amongst yard/stud employees. The two runners-up will receive €1,000 each.

Irish Racing Excellence Award

Will be presented to one of the winners of the Administration, Newcomer, Horse Care, In the Saddle, Travelling Head Person, Leads by Example and Dedication to Racing and Breeding Awards who is, in the opinion of the judging panel, the most deserving of recognition for their commitment, hard work, and ongoing contribution to the high standards and reputation of the Irish thoroughbred industry.

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to the winner and €5,000 to the winner’s yard/stud to be divided amongst yard/stud employees.

The winners of the Racecourse and Racing and Breeding Support Services Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 9th in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny and will receive a trophy and €2,500 cash prize.