Clifford Baker
Head Lad for Paul Nicholls
Clifford Baker crowned Employee of the Year at Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2012.
Clifford Baker was named ‘Employee of the Year’ at the eighth annual Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London’s Knightsbridge.
The Head Lad, employed by Paul Nicholls, was presented with the perpetual Godolphin Trophy by Guest Presenter Paul Hanagan. In addition to the stunning trophy, Clifford was also presented with a cheque for £25,000, of which £10,000 will be shared amongst the staff at Nicholls’ Yard.
Brough Scott, Chairman of the Panel commented: “It is appropriate that Clifford Baker rides Kauto Star every morning because he has long been the Kauto Star of Stable Staff. His whole career has been a magnificent example how outstanding staff play a major role in any trainer’s success.”
Dual Champion Flat Jockey Paul Hanagan, who presented the awards, added: “This is a really special day for everyone involved. Jockeys know more than most the level of dedication and hard work demonstrated everyday by Stud and Stable Staff, and it is a real privilege to spend time with them, and to be able to acknowledge everything they do for the sport in front of their family, friends and colleagues.”
Each individual category winner collected £5,000, with their colleagues at their respective Stable or Stud also sharing £5,000 between them. The two runners-up in each category also received £2,000, with their Yard or Stud also collecting the same amount. The winner of the separate NASS Special Merit Award, judged by the NASS Executive, received an individual prize of £5,000.
The full list of winners and runners up are as follows:
NASS Special Merit Award
Winner: Jerry Walsh, Travelling Head Lad – Paul Webber
David Nicholson Newcomer Award
Winner: Christoper Lynn, Stable Lad – Ferdy Murphy
Runners Up: Katy Tyler, Rider/Groom – Mark Johnston; Robyn Gray, Head Lass – Diane Sayer
High Achiever Award
Winner: Clifford Baker, Head Lad with Paul Nicholls
Runners Up: Andrew Bottomley, Yard Manager – Mark Johnston; William Reddy, Head Lad – Eve Johnson Houghton
Rider/Groom Award
Winner: Charlotte Cox, Stable Lass – Henry Candy
Runners Up: Peter Johnson, Head Lad – Johnson Racing Limited; Zafar Abbas, Groom – Mahmood Al Zarooni
Stud Staff Award
Winner: Graham Nicklin, Stud Groom – Glebe Stud
Runners Up: Frances Eilbeck, Stud Groom – Minster Stud; Gordon Laing, Assistant Stud Groom – Fittocks Stud
Dedication to Racing Award
Winner: Willie Cowe, Head Lad – James Ewart
Runners Up: Burney Hutchison, Head Lad – David R.Lanigan; Lenny Brinkley, Feedman – Roger Varian
