New Stable Staff Award trophy unveiled

The Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards sponsored by Godolphin, today revealed newly-designed trophies, created by sculptor Ani Mollereau which will be presented to the winners of the 2015 awards in the Keadeen Hotel on Tuesday 14th April.

Ani, based in Thomastown in Co Kilkenny, was appointed through Alan Redmond Fine Art on behalf of Joe Osborne in Kildangan Stud.

The bronze sculpture with a green patination is a contemporary design of a thoroughbred horse and represents the spirit of the horse racing industry.

Commenting on the trophies, Ani said: "I have a great love and affinity with horses so it was a great honour to have my sculpture chosen as the trophy for the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards. I'd like to wish all the nominees the best of luck on April 14th."

Joe Osborne, Managing Director of Kildangan Stud: "The Irish Stud and Stable Staff trophies are striking pieces of art. The Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards acknowledge excellence in the horse racing industry and these trophies are a fitting tribute to the award winners."

Bernard Caldwell, Chairman of the Irish Stablestaff Association said: "I am delighted that all Stud and Stable Staff's hard work is being recognised with such an eye-catching trophy, in addition to the very generous prize-money sponsored by Godolphin. I would encourage as many nominations as possible. The forms are available to download from www.goracing.ie and from Horse Racing Ireland's Head Office in Ballymany."

TEN AWARD CATEGORIES

The winner of the Irish Racing Excellence Award will be selected from the winners of the Leadership Award; Rider/Groom Award; Head Lad/Girl / Travelling Head Lad/Girl Award; Stud Employee Award and Administration Award.

Prize: Trophy and an additional €5,000 to winner, and €5,000 to winner's yard (to be divided amongst stable/stud employees).

An award to an individual in a managerial or supervisory role in a stud or stable who has displayed leadership qualities - in particular in terms of mentoring and support.

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to winner and €4,000 to winner's yard (to be divided amongst stable/stud employees). The two runners-up will receive €500 each.

An award to an individual who has shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability in and out of the saddle.

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to winner and €4,000 to winner's yard (to be divided amongst stable/stud employees). The two runners-up will receive €500 each.

An award to an individual who sets and maintains high standards of horsemanship and people management in a training yard.

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to winner and €4,000 to winner's yard (to be divided amongst stable/stud employees). The two runners-up will receive €500 each.

An award to an individual who has shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability in a stud role.

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to winner and €4,000 to winner's yard (to be divided amongst stable/stud employees). The two runners-up will receive €500 each.

An award to an individual who works in an administration role in a stud or racing yard.

Prize: Trophy and €5,000 to winner and €4,000 to winner's yard (to be divided amongst stable/stud employees). The two runners-up will receive €500 each.

An award for an individual who has worked for a minimum of twenty years in the breeding and/or racing sectors and who has played a pivotal role in his or her employers' successes.

Prize: Trophy and €2,500.

An award to an individual in the racing or breeding sector who has shown a commitment to continuous self-improvement through upskilling, further education and role change within the thoroughbred business.

Prize: Trophy and €2,500.

An award to an individual who works in a support services role in the racing or breeding sector.

Prize: Trophy and €2,500.

An award to the racecourse grooms' canteen which provides quality, value for money food for racing personnel.

Prize: Trophy for racecourse and €2,500 to be spent on canteen upgrades.