York racecourse's Anthea Leigh joins Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards panel and urges workforce to 'nominate now'

York's Anthea Leigh has urged racing's workforce to get nominating for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA) after joining the judging panel.

Nominations for the awards, which are sponsored by Godolphin, are open until November 5 and can be made online. The winners will be honoured at a ceremony at York racecourse on February 24, with £128,500 in prize-money on offer.

Leigh, a former jockey and now racing manager and raceday clerk of the course at York, boasts a wealth of experience in British racing and is excited to join the judging panel. She replaces Sulekha Varma, the Aintree clerk, who is stepping back from her role with the TIEA.

Leigh said: "It’s an honour to be asked to join the judging panel for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and I’m very much looking forward to meeting this year’s nominees and finding out more about their roles.

“I know from experience working in various roles across the industry just how important it is that we shine this spotlight on the people who provide the highest standards of care for our horses and get them to the racecourse in the finest condition.

“I would encourage people to nominate their friends, colleagues, employees – anyone who you think deserves to be recognised for their contribution, please nominate them now. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to show our appreciation and celebrate the very best of British racing and breeding.”

Broadcaster Nick Luck, who is chair of the judging panel, was delighted with Leigh's appointment and echoed her call for more nominations.

He said: "We are always extremely fortunate in managing to attract judges of the highest quality, and in welcoming Anthea we have again secured the valuable services of someone steeped in British racing and with attributes aplenty.

“But of course we need everyone involved in our industry to get your nominations in and really put these judging credentials to the test."

Nominations for the awards are open until Tuesday, November 5 and can be made online by visiting thoroughbredawards.co.uk.

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