Media Releases and Articles

The Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards proudly announce the commencement of nominations, welcoming you to appreciate, celebrate and motivate individuals shaping the future of our industry. This is your chance to show your gratitude as we honour the commitment and passion displayed by the backbone of our industry and great sport.

These Awards offer a platform for everyone to amplify their appreciation for colleagues, friends or family members who work within the thoroughbred industry. While the nomination process remains simple, it stands as a powerful and significant means of acknowledging their work and contributions.

Sebastian Hutch sums up this sentiment, expressing, “I encourage anyone with an inclination to nominate to do so, it’s a tremendous way to recognise people who commit their heart and soul to our great industry.”

This year, a six-week submission window is available, closing 5.00pm AEDT on Monday, 19 February 2024. As you submit a nomination, consider how this small amount of your time and effort will not only instill pride in your nominee but also highlight the value of their contributions to the industry.

Every individual within the thoroughbred industry has a place in these Awards, with nominations accepted across seven categories:

• Leadership Award (Sponsored by Victoria Racing Club)
• Horsemanship Award (Sponsored by Inglis)
• Dedication to Breeding Award (Sponsored by Magic Millions)
• Dedication to Racing Award (Sponsored by Australian Turf Club)
• Administrative and Ancillary Services Award (Sponsored by Melbourne Racing Club Foundation)
• Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award (Sponsored by Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT Program)
• Newcomer Award (Sponsored by Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Marcus Oldham College)

Each category offers a cash prize of $10,000 for the winner and $3,000 for the runner-up, except for the Newcomer category, where the winner receives $5,000 and the runner-up $3,000.

The overall Excellence Award presented at the end of the evening, honours an individual who has made significant, exceptional contributions to the industry. In 2023, John “Crewie’ Brady received this honour for his remarkable 70-year tenure in the thoroughbred industry, among icons like Tommy Smith and Gai Waterhouse.

That narrative captures the primary goals of the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards. These Awards are proudly presented by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Racing Australia, supported by Godolphin, and sponsored by the Victoria Racing Club, Australian Turf Club, Queensland Off-The-Track (QOTT Program), Inglis, Magic Millions, Melbourne Racing Club Foundation, along with Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Marcus Oldham.

Ready to nominate? Amplify your voice! Nominations close at 5.00pm AEDT on Monday, 19 February 2024.

Key dates:

• Nominations open: Tuesday, 9 January, 2024
• Nominations close: Monday, 19 February, 2024
• Shortlist announced: Wednesday, 13 March, 2024
• Finalists announced: Friday, 29 March, 2024
• Awards ceremony: Wednesday, 29 May – Gold Coast, QLD

Federal politicians have pledged bipartisan support for the thoroughbred industry, emphasising its importance to the economy and the integral part it plays in the social fabric of rural, regional and metropolitan Australia. 

More than 40 MPs and Senators from across the political divide gathered with industry leaders at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday evening for an event hosted by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and the Parliamentary Friends of Primary Producers, which was staged for the first time since the pandemic. 

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt reaffirmed the government’s support of the thoroughbred industry and its assistance with issues such as biosecurity, horse traceability and equine welfare initiatives.  

“It is a really important opportunity for us all to celebrate this important industry and I guess I just want to convey to you the support from the Albanese government for your industry,” Mr Watt said.

“There’s a lot of collaboration going on between our government here and the industry and I look forward to continuing to do that in the future.” 

Nationals Leader David Littleproud backed up Mr Watt’s bipartisan approach to the thoroughbred industry. 

“To each and every one of you, please don’t underestimate the role and the significance that you play in regional and rural Australia, and that you play for this nation,” Mr Littleproud said. 

“The thoroughbred industry is so important from the city to the bush. It plays not just a financial one and an economic one in jobs, but it’s our outlet, an outlet for so many Australians to come together.” 

The cross-party event was run by co-convenors, Western Australian Liberal MP Nola Marino and NSW Labor MP Meryl Swanson, and held in the private courtyard of Speaker Milton Dick. 

TBA chief executive Tom Reilly conducted a range of one-on-one meetings with officials and politicians prior to the cross-party event discussing issues such as the government’s impending wagering reforms.  

“Events like this are so important for the thoroughbred industry. In breeding and racing we have lots of touch points with the federal government and these can throw up some complex issues to deal with,” Reilly said. 

“To have the people who make decisions on policy in the room and listening and engaging with people from breeding and racing is a great opportunity. I was delighted with the turn-out of over 40 politicians including senior members of the government and opposition.” 

Ms Marino, a long-time thoroughbred breeder, said that it was imperative that the industry remains a thriving one. 

“I know this industry employs thousands, but it is critical to underpinning many rural and regional economies as well and the employment opportunities that go with that,” Ms Marino said. 

Ms Swanson urged thoroughbred leaders to continue to advocate for the industry. 

“Keep doing what you’re doing, keep representing the industry as brilliantly as you do and onward and upward for thoroughbred breeding and racing in Australia,” she said. 

The thoroughbred industry creates more than 80,000 jobs while the breeding sector alone is responsible for 11,500 employees, nearly all of which are in regional Australia. 

Australia also has more than 100,000 racehorse owners, more than Europe and America combined, underlining the public’s engagement with the sport.

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, who was a key figure in helping negotiate the reintroduction of thoroughbred exports to China, also attended the evening as did his cabinet colleague Bill Shorten, whose electorate of Maribyrnong is where Melbourne racecourses Moonee Valley and Flemington are located. 

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack, the former Deputy Prime Minister and passionate racing person, also attended as did former National Party leader Barnaby Joyce, liaising with industry figures including champion trainer Peter Moody, auction house representatives from Magic Millions and Inglis as well as a range of breeders from across the country. 

Widden Stud principal Antony Thompson, who has thoroughbred breeding farms in the Hunter Valley in NSW and near Romsey in Victoria, said: “It’s so important that the thoroughbred industry is getting its voice heard in Canberra and I’m grateful that TBA has taken the lead in this space. 

“There was a lot of support for breeding and racing among those that attended and it’s crucial we now work with those politicians to deal with the challenges the industry faces.”  

Applications for the 2023 Nolan Scholarship are now open.

The Nolan Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate of the TBA Fast Track program in memory of the late Basil Nolan Jnr, a highly respected and much loved member of the Australian breeding community.
 
The successful graduate will travel to Ireland for six months to take part in the Irish National Stud Breeding Course.

Pictured is 2022 scholarship recipient, Jarrod Robinson, receiving his certificate after successfully completing the course earlier this year.

“My six months abroad at the Irish National Stud was an incredible experience. The highlights were getting to work with the stallions and developing my knowledge of the Northern Hemisphere breeding practices”, explains Jarrod.
 
The scholarship will be awarded to the student who best displays the qualities that Basil Jnr himself was so widely admired for.

The Irish National Stud Breeding Course

The Irish National Stud Course was established in 1971 and is regarded as the best-known equine training program within the thoroughbred industry. Many graduates have gone on to hold prominent positions on farms and within organisations around the world.
 
Unlike university based programs, the training is mainly of a practical nature and is designed to provide students with a hands-on approach to every aspect of horse breeding. The course is full-time residential and starts mid-January each year and runs for the Northern Hemisphere breeding season.

Learn more about the Irish National Stud here.

Scholarship Criteria

• Applicants must have successfully completed the TBA Fast Track program. This includes graduating with a Certificate III in Horse Breeding from TAFE and having their formal traineeship signed off by their employer. Students who were not eligible for formal traineeships (ie. those based outside NSW) must have completed a minimum 12 months employment with their farm.
• Prior knowledge and/or industry experience will not be taken into account during the selection process. The scholarship will be awarded based on what the individual has achieved since commencing the Fast Track program and the contribution they have made to their workplace and/or the industry during this time.
• Although academic ability isn’t the sole focus, applicants will need to have displayed a level of dedication and a positive attitude towards their studies, and have been a courteous member of the classroom during their time on the program.
• In the workplace they must have consistently demonstrated an excellent work ethic and have been a team player; someone who is kind and supportive and always willing to help others.
• They must demonstrate a genuine passion for the thoroughbred industry.

The successful applicant will be the person who best fulfills the above criteria and who the interview panel believe will be a great ambassador for the Australian breeding industry and honour Basil Jnr’s legacy.
 
The following attributes were central to Basil and what he most looked for in staff members of his own:

• Honesty
• Enthusiasm
• Motivation
• A strong work ethic
• A passion for learning more on the job

The Application Process

To apply for the Nolan Scholarship, you must complete an online application form.

You are also required to upload a Letter Of Support from your employer and/or an industry referee (someone who currently works in the thoroughbred industry).

The letter should outline why they think you are a deserving recipient of the scholarship with particular focus on your attitude towards learning, contribution to the workplace, your relationships with your peers and colleagues, and your passion for horses.

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to sit an interview via Zoom, with a panel of TBA representatives and members of the Nolan family. 

Successful Fast Track graduates are eligible to apply for the scholarship at any time. You are not restricted to applying in the year that you graduate and if unsuccessful, you can always reapply the following year. There is no limit on how many years you can apply. 

Click here to begin your application.

Applications for this year’s scholarship close on Sunday 24th September at 11.59pm. Those shortlisted will be contacted shortly after to arrange a suitable interview time. 

The successful applicant will need to arrive in Ireland in early January 2023 and remain there until the end of June, when the course finishes.

The full cost of flights and tuition will be covered by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.

This is an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to develop their career in the thoroughbred sector. The Irish National Stud Course is world renowned and many of Australia’s industry leaders are successful graduates of the program. 

For more information, contact Madison Tims at madison@tbaus.com.

TBA Next Crop is excited to announce its first official event for members.

Stallion tours will be held in Nagambie (VIC) and Scone (NSW) in the lead up to the breeding season, giving young participants the opportunity to visit some of the country’s most respected stud farms and inspect a number of stallions. The tours will be followed by lunch, compliments of TBA, and the chance to mingle with fellow members.

The details for the tours:

Registration is essential and spaces are limited, so we encourage anyone interested to get in quick. Attendees must be a member of TBA Next Crop – you can sign up for free below:

To reserve a spot for either parade, click below:

TBA Next Crop was created to provide people aged 36 and under working in breeding with the chance to network and socialise with their peers in the industry, as well as the opportunity to continue their professional development and education.

For more information on Next Crop or the stallion tour you can Maddy Tims at madison@tbaus.com or call on 0405 535 436.

In 2019, the thoroughbred and racing industry lost one of their longest and most devoted figures. Les Young was a renowned industry all-rounder. A respected bloodstock agent, journalist and long serving committee member of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW as well as a foundation member and vice president of the NSW Racehorse Owners Association, Les spent a lifetime committed to the thoroughbred. Les was a highly influential figure within the breeding and racing world providing a voice to both owners and breeders.

Among Les’ many talents as a successful owner-breeder, Les was passionate about helping the next generation, providing young people with encouragement, mentoring, and support to further their careers. He was also heavily involved in the continued research and development into the thoroughbred breed. In 1995, Les was a foundation member of the Equine Advisory Committee to AgriFutures allocating funding for equine research projects.

To this day, AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program continues to invest in high-impact research and development that improves the sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry. The program supports investment in projects across key priority areas including thoroughbred horse breeding and welfare, workforce safety and community engagement, and the prevention of thoroughbred diseases and parasites.

In honour of Les’ lifetime commitment to the thoroughbred and racing industry, AgriFutures Australia has announced the establishment of a new scholarship – the Les Young Scholarship. This scholarship will continue Les’ legacy as a supporter and mentor in the industry he dedicated so much to by providing young people the opportunity to further their skills and knowledge.

The scholarship will provide funding and support to the successful applicant via a combination of theory coursework and a paid placement with an international horse stud in the United Kingdom or Irish National Stud where they will develop further understanding around foaling and breeding, bloodstock husbandry and stable and equine management. All travel, visas and accommodation will be covered by the scholarship.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants should be aged between 18 and 25 years, have at least two years industry experience as well as a passion to remain part of the thoroughbred industry as their career progresses. For more information regarding the Les Young Scholarship, selection criteria and how to apply, visit: 2023 Les Young Scholarship | AgriFutures Australia

Last year TBA hosted a series of workshops across the country to help managers develop their leadership and communication skills. The feedback from those sessions was overwhelmingly positive so we are hosting an expanded series this year which will be run over two days.

Day One will focus on how to motivate and manage a team, respond appropriately under pressure, and navigate difficult conversations in the workplace. All who attend will complete a profile before the workshop,which provides great insight into each individuals’ management style and work preferences. Everyone who came last year said these profiles were incredibly helpful.

Day Two will be an extension of day one with focused learning on skill development around assertiveness, influencing, building trust and other key elements of communication and leadership. This session is available to anyone who attended Workshop One on the day prior.

If you came to a TBA Management Skills Workshop in 2022 you can choose to attend both days this year (if you want a refresher), or to just come to Day Two. If you didn’t attend last year you can come both days, or just join us for Day One.

The cost of the training is fully-funded by TBA and the content is primarily designed for team members in middle-management/supervisory roles.

Workshop Dates:

Scone: Monday 26th & Tuesday 27th June

Nagambie: Monday 10th & Tuesday 11th July

Toowoomba: Thursday 20th & Friday 21st July

Perth: Monday 24th & Tuesday 25th July

A consortium of the industry’s most passionate and dedicated individuals from all levels of the Australian thoroughbred breeding and racing communities assembled on the Gold Coast Turf Club – 2023’s host for the Awards’ ceremony – on Wednesday, to celebrate the Awards’ ninth cohort of finalists.

Seven categories and an overall Thoroughbred Excellence Award were presented by host and judge Caroline Searcy, and it was John “Crewie” Brady who was bestowed the highest accolade of the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards: The Thoroughbred Excellence Award.

A true titan of Australian racing, ‘Crewie’ stands as a symbol of dedication having devoted his life to the thoroughbred. Celebrating a remarkable 70-year milestone, marked by commitment and passion, he commenced his career in 1953 as a 15-year-old under the tutelage of legendary trainer Tommy Smith at Tulloch Lodge. Brady has remained a valued member of that stable, where he continues to contribute his expertise. In a resounding testament to his achievements, he emerged triumphant in the Dedication to Racing category.

At 86 years old, Brady stands adorned with the winner’s trophy, a testament to a career that spans one of the longest tenures in Australian racing – a journey within Tulloch Lodge. Brady’s association with Tulloch Lodge predates even the illustrious champion racehorse for whom it was named, arriving a year prior to the birth of the stable’s current proprietor, Gai Waterhouse, who is Tommy’s daughter.

From humble tasks of mucking out boxes and blending feeds, Brady’s dedication saw him master the art of riding trackwork well into his 50s. He guided some of the greatest horses in Australian turf history along his unique path, solidifying his position as a trusted hand among greatness.

Brady’s enduring presence at Tulloch Lodge extends beyond his remarkable career; he remains a beloved source of guidance and wisdom. Gai Waterhouse, the current proprietor and one of his greatest admirers, describes him as a “legend” within the stable.

Waterhouse shared, “There can’t be many people in any industry who have worked with such dedication and loyalty as Crewie. My father regarded him as one of the stable’s great assets and so do I.”

Joining Brady in this distinguished honour are the winners of the remaining categories: Kayleigh Walsh of Fernrigg Farm, recipient of the Dedication to Breeding Award; Emile Fredericks of Widden Stud, recognised for Horsemanship; Sean Keogh of Godolphin, awarded for Leadership; Mary O’Neill of Newgate Farm, commended for Administration and Ancillary Services; Louise Abey of Abey Performance Horses, acknowledged for Thoroughbred Care and Welfare; and James Green of Armidale Stud, honoured as the Newcomer.

Applauding the winners at the Awards ceremony held on Wednesday night on the Gold Coast, Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said, “When the racing stops, the work continues. The love and hard work is something rarely understood by people outside the industry.”

Echoing Brendan O’Connor’s sentiments, Queensland Racing Minister Grace Grace praised the dedication and devotion displayed by all industry participants and commended the Awards for their national and global significance.

“The Award finalists demonstrate the depth and diversity of the thoroughbred industry, and their hard work and devotion to our horses right across Australia,” Grace said.

The Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards have once again highlighted the exceptional contributions of the unsung heroes in the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. The accolades not only acknowledge their commitment, passion and contributions but also serve as a powerful reminder for aspiring individuals to embark on a fulfilling career in the racing and breeding industry.

This recognition is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Racing Australia, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Godolphin, alongside its dedicated sponsors: the Australian Turf Club, Inglis, Magic Millions, Marcus Oldham College, the Melbourne Racing Club Foundation, Racing Queensland, Thoroughbred Industry Careers and the Victoria Racing Club; and pushed throughout Australia by its media partners: 7Horse Racing, ANZ Bloodstock News, Racing.com, RSN Radio, Sky Racing and TDN Australia and New Zealand. These awards serve as an inspiring initiative, unveiling the untold stories and celebrating the contributions of the unsung heroes within the racing and breeding industry.

AWARD CATEGORY WINNERS FOR 2023

Administration and Ancillary Services Award – Mary O’Neill of Newgate Farm

Dedication to Breeding Award – Kayleigh Walsh of Fernrigg Farm

Dedication to Racing Award – John Brady of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing

Horsemanship Award – Emile Fredericks of Widden Stud

Leadership Award – Sean Keogh of Godolphin

Newcomer Award – James Green of Armidale Stud

Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award – Louise Abey of Abey Performance Horses

Thoroughbred Excellence Award – John Brady of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing

TBA is delighted to announce the creation of a new group for young people in the industry, TBA Next Crop.

The group is being created with the aim of providing those aged 36 and under with the chance to network with their peers in the industry, as well as the opportunity to continue their professional development and education.

Entry will be open to anyone who has an interest in breeding and will also provide access to a number of exclusive events.

“The board of TBA believe there is a chance to create a network where young people who are already in the industry, or those who may be interested in taking part, can meet,” said TBA chief executive, Tom Reilly.

“There will be three key themes to Next Crop: meet, grow and lead. We want to develop a forum for like-minded young people to meet and develop their networks; to access learning and training opportunities so they feel they are continuing their own personal development, and also to have input on the future of the thoroughbred industry through this group.”

TBA aims to have a chapter of Next Crop in each state, which will then feed into a national leadership committee. Membership will be free, with TBA making a contribution to the group’s activities.

“As an industry, we have to make sure we are continually looking to bring in new people and also retain those that are already involved, and I believe this initiative will help with both of those aims,” said TBA president, Basil Nolan.

“The boards of TBA and Aushorse have been talking about this for a little while and all of us are excited about the benefits of Next Crop. I think this is something that will be well received and we are looking forward to hearing from this group and acting upon their knowledge and insight.”

TBA has brought many young people into the industry through its national traineeship program, Fast Track, and this has given the organisation an understanding of some of the issues faced by those early in their career.

“We know from the graduates of Fast Track that there can be a number of challenges for those coming into our workforce: loneliness and a sense of isolation can be a challenge, especially for those who aren’t on big farms or are working in teams with an older age group,” said Reilly.

“We also get feedback around the frustration felt when people don’t feel they’re learning or progressing with more responsibility. We think through Next Crop we can provide opportunities to learn – a mixture of formal and informal – that will allow its members to feel like they are building their skills and knowledge. If people are more engaged with their work and the industry we think they’re more likely to remain in it.

“And most importantly, we want the opportunities that Next Crop will provide to be shaped by its members and those who have put their hands up to be involved in its leadership. We want to give responsibility to those involved and I’m sure that, in turn, this will help bring through the next crop of leaders who will push the industry forward.”

Anyone wishing to become a member of Next Crop can register their interest at www.tbaus.com or, if they are attending the Magic Millions mare sale, speak to a member of the TBA team at their marquee.

Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is excited to launch a new program that provides a pathway into the breeding industry for people changing career.

TBA Stud Start will give participants the opportunity to take part in an intensive 10-day introduction to breeding course at TAFE in Scone, followed by a work placement on a respected stud farm.

The program was developed after TBA received a record number of entries for its well-established national traineeship program, Fast Track.

“Fast Track has developed into a really successful course that brings people into breeding who would otherwise not get involved, but most of our trainees are in their early twenties or teens. This year we had a number of applicants who were a little more mature apply for Fast Track, so we were keen to tailor a program for them,” said TBA chief executive, Tom Reilly.

TBA Stud Start will begin on Wednesday June 21 and there are still a handful of places available on the course. Candidates are welcome from across Australia and people wanting to apply can click on the link below or email careers@tbaus.com.

During the induction in Scone the students will have the opportunity to do both classroom-based and practical ‘hands on’ learning with horses. The aim is to provide participants with the basic skills and knowledge to start their journey in the industry’s workforce.

This learning opportunity will also be supported with practical demonstrations from industry experts, as well as visits to farms in the Hunter Valley. For those taking part, TBA will pay for all training and accommodation during the program.

“This is a great opportunity for anybody who has looked at the breeding industry and thought that there might be a role in it for them. We think there are people who are looking for a change in direction in their career and this provides them a chance to do something that they will hopefully fall in love with,” said Madison Tims, TBA’s education and projects manager.

Stud Start is the latest initiative from TBA in the training and education space. Earlier this year the organisation launched its online education platform TBA Learning and it is also running a series of management skills workshops across the country in June and July.

The Fast Track program is now in its sixth year and there are 18 students arriving in Scone this weekend to begin that 12 month course. For the first time, Fast Track will include trainees who will be based on farms in Tasmania and Western Australia once they have completed their four-week training period in the Hunter Valley.

“We’re really excited about Stud Start and we’ve worked hard in the last month to try and get the course off the ground. We’re grateful to TAFE NSW for the effort they’ve put in with us to design a program that will work for this group,” added Reilly.

“I’d encourage anyone who has thought about a career working with horses and is looking for an opportunity to get in touch.”

A man who has devoted more than 70 years to one of Australia’s most famous racing stables, a former Uber Eats driver who accidentally discovered an affinity with thoroughbreds and a pair of women who have enriched the lives of hundreds of horses are among an extraordinary crop of finalists in the 2023 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

After sifting through one of the largest and most distinguished entries the awards have attracted, the judges settled on two finalists in each of seven SSSA categories.

And if there is one pair of contenders that represents what the SSSA stands for, it is John Brady and Ian Smith, in the Dedication to Racing category.

Known to everyone at Randwick as “Crewie”, John Brady arrived at the stables of legendary trainer Tommy Smith as a 14-year-old in 1950 – and he’s been there ever since, riding trackwork, mucking out boxes, dispensing wisdom and putting his personal touch on a long list of champions.

At 66, the other Dedication to Racing finalist, Ian Smith, is a youngster by comparison, but “Ginger” as he’s known, is an equally worthy contender.

Smith, who is officially registered as a stablehand with trainer Annabel Neasham, is unofficially regarded as “Sydney’s pre-eminent freelance strapper”.

In the words of his nominator, racing chaplain Colin Watts: “Ian is a caring gentleman, he does an immaculate job, he knows what he’s doing, he’s very punctual, and he just goes all day.”

Among the other finalists joining Brady and Smith at the SSSA ceremony on 24 May at the Gold Coast Turf Club will be Vivek Shamar, the one-time Uber Eats driver whose first contact with horses came a couple of years ago when he delivered food to the stables of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

Shamar soon swapped the car keys for a broom and shovel – and hasn’t looked back. Along with James Green from Armidale Stud in Tasmania, he is a finalist in the Newcomer Award.

In the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare category, Louise Abey and Julie Bramucci are the latest pair of “angels” to be named SSSA finalists.

Abey and Bramucci, both from Victoria, re-home and re-train scores of horses every year, largely at their own expense.

The finalists in the Dedication to Breeding category are Kayleigh Murray, the stud manager and veterinary nurse at Fernrigg Farm at Denman and Joel Stewart, the assistant stud manager at Yulong in Victoria.

In the Leadership section, the finalists are Finn McCarthy, a foreman for Tony and Calvin McEvoy at McEvoy Mitchell Racing, and fellow Irishman Sean Keogh, a senior foreman at Godolphin’s Victorian base at Flemington.

Emile Fredericks, the assistant yearling manager at Widden Stud, is a finalist in the Horsemanship category after being nominated twice previously. He is joined by Hazel Fertier, whose nomination is officially backed by just about every trainer at Murray Bridge in South Australia.

As well as the “hands on” categories, the SSSA recognises those who keep the wheels turning from the offices and other backrooms of the industry with the Administration and Ancillary Services award for which the 2023 finalists are Matt Harrington, the General Manager of trainer Danny O’Brien’s racing operation and Mary O’Neill, the “uncrowned queen” of Newgate Farm.

The Stud and Stable Staff Awards offer cash prizes of $10,000 to the winners in each of the categories of Dedication to Racing, Dedication to Breeding, Horsemanship, Leadership, Thoroughbred Care and Welfare and Administration. The Newcomer Award offers a cash prize of $5000, with the runners-up in each of the seven categories receiving $3000.

A Thoroughbred Excellence Award of an additional $5000 will be made to a nominee chosen from the winners of the various stud and stable awards, excluding Thoroughbred Care and Welfare and Newcomer.

The SSSA are staged by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Racing Australia and are supported worldwide by Godolphin with sponsorship from the Victoria Racing Club, William Inglis and Son, Magic Millions, the Australian Turf Club, the Melbourne Racing Club Foundation, Racing Queensland, Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Marcus Oldham College.