£2,000 to winner, match funded with £2,000 to the winner’s yard/stud. £1,000 to both runners-up, with £1,000 awarded to each runners-up yard/stud.
Eligibility – Open to employees who have worked in the racing or breeding industry for less than three years as of 26 February 2024 (e.g. racing grooms, stud grooms, yard staff, work riders and administration staff).
Desire to learn, improve and progress their skills and knowledge.
Motivated and committed to being an integral part of the team and showing ambition for a career in the industry.
Demonstrates commitment to care of the horse and developing their horsemanship skills.
Excellent work ethic, team spirit and willingness to help.
Has made a positive impact since their arrival.
Video – Hollie Wiltshire winner of the 2024 David Nicholson Newcomer Award.
Leadership Award
£5,000 to winner, match funded with £5,000 awarded to winner’s yard/stud. £2,000 to both runners-up, with £2,000 awarded to each runners-up yard/stud.
Eligibility: Open to employees working in the racing or breeding industry carrying out a leadership or supervisory role, managing two or more staff (e.g. head groom, travelling head person, stud manager/groom, office manager).
Excellent leadership skills, committed to mentoring, motivating and supporting their colleagues.
Takes a genuine interest in human and equine welfare and the development of less experienced members of the team.
Leads by example in their conduct and demonstration of positive values and behaviours.
Ensures the environment in which they work is inclusive – involving and empowering team members and demonstrating respect for the talents, beliefs, and ways of living of their team.
Video – Cheryl Armstrong winner of the 2024 Leadership award.
Rider/Racing Groom Award
Prize money – £5,000 to the winner, £5,000 match funded to the winner’s yard. £2,000 awarded the two runners-up, with £2,000 awarded to each runners-up yard.
Eligibility: All stable and stud staff employees (e.g. work riders, Racing and Stud grooms).
Contributes to the overall performance of the yard through their commitment in and out of the saddle.
Video -Lyndsay Bull winner of the 2024 Rider/Racing Groom award.
Stud Staff Award
Prize money – £5,000 to the winner, £5,000 match funded to the winner’s stud. £2,000 awarded to both runners-up, and £2,000 awarded to each runners-up stud.
Eligibility: Open to all stud staff employees (e.g. stud manager, stallion handler, stud groom, foaling specialist, stud secretary).
Positive contributor to the performance of the stud through their passion and dedication for the breeding industry.
Video – David Porter-Mackrell winner of the 2024 Stud Staff award.
Dedication Award
Prize money – £5,000 to the winner, with £5,000 match funded to the winner’s yard/stud. £2,000 awarded to both runners-up, and £2,000 to each runners-up yard/stud.
Eligibility: Open to employees who have worked in the racing or breeding industry for more than 15 years including those in administrative and office roles.
Dedication and passion for their job and the wider racing industry.
Has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience that is of great benefit to their employer, team, horses and the industry as a whole.
Loyalty, perseverance, commitment and continued passion.
Video – Brian Taylor winner of the 2024 Dedication award.
Community Award (in recognition of the late Rory MacDonald and the work he achieved at The British Racing School)
Prize money – £5,000 to the winner, with £5,000 match funded to the charity of their choice. £2,000 awarded to both runners-up, and £2,000 awarded to the charities of their choice.
Eligibility: Any individual connected directly or indirectly to horseracing, including auxiliary and administrative roles who has gone above and beyond the responsibilities of their day-to-day role to make a positive difference to the lives of people or racehorses within the industry, or to charities and communities within which racing operates, and who demonstrate social responsibility and the values of our sport.
Anyone who volunteers or fundraises for the benefit of racing’s people or horses, or in support of racing’s local communities
Demonstrably goes above and beyond the requirements of their everyday role or job in ensuring that anyone connected with racing feels welcome, supported and appreciated
A champion of the values of our sport, who has made a positive difference to the lives of individuals, groups or local/diverse communities connected with racing
This award was introduced in 2016, in conjunction with Racing Welfare, and is named in memory of Rory MacDonald who was Chief Executive of the British Racing School for 22 years who worked tirelessly in the wider racing community.
Video – Lauren Semple recognising her work supporting Scottish Racing Academy, winner of the 2024 Community Award
Employee of the Year Award – Revealed and announced on the night
Prizemoney – £10,000 to the winner, match funded with £10,000 to the winner’s yard/stud.
This award will be announced on the night, with the winners of each category being eligible, aside from the winners of the David Nicholson Newcomer or the Community Award’s.
