The 2020 Stud and Stable Staff Awards are bound for Queensland with this year’s event to be conducted on the Gold Coast in conjunction with the Magic Millions National Sale Series.
Staged at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Sunday, May 24, the Awards recognise the invaluable contribution of the industry’s behind-the-scenes employees including strappers, stable hands, exercise riders, breakers, grooms and stud hands just to name a few.
Having commenced in Australia in 2015 as an an initiative of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Racing Australia - supported by Godolphin – nominations are open to all employees involved in racing and breeding activities contained withing the thoroughbred industry.
"We are delighted that organisers of the SSSA have decided to present the awards on the Gold Coast during the Southern Hemisphere's most important breeding stock auction," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.
"The Stud and Staff Awards are a wonderful way to recognise those who work so hard behind the scenes to make our industry a world leader.”
The Stud and Stable Staff Awards are judged in seven categories:
- Dedication to Racing;
- Dedication to Breeding;
- Leadership;
- Horsemanship;
- Administrative and Ancillary services;
- Thoroughbred Care and Welfare; and
- A Newcomers Award.
The Awards provide total prize money in excess of $100,000 spread over the individual categories plus an overall Thoroughbred Excellence Award.
"These awards have become an integral part of the local and international racing scene and to have an organisation such as the Magic Millions involved only adds to their significance," Godolphin's Director of Corporate Services Ross Cole said.
"It’s a natural fit for Magic Millions to sponsor the Dedication to Breeding category, breeders are their clients and this award acknowledges just that, their dedication.”
Nominations will close at midnight on Friday, March 13 and can be completed online via the Stud and Stable Staff Awards website at www.studandstablestaffawards.com.au.