Drumroll please for the best of the best across racing and breeding

David Nicholson Newcomer Award

Sophy Scott
Employer: Mark Johnston, Middleham, North Yorkshire

As soon as Sophy joined their yard from the British Racing School just eight days before her 18th birthday, Mark and Deirdre Johnston knew they had found someone with huge potential.

Within eight months of joining the team Sophy was promoted to assistant yard manager, making her the youngest person ever to hold such a position at Johnston Racing.

Sophy Scott: has an invaluable talent of being able to lead by exampleCredit: Ichiro Terashima

Sophy has that invaluable talent of being able to lead by example and has earned the respect of her colleagues, often managing both the horses and the staff in the yard confidently and effectively for someone at such an early stage of their career.

April Clarke
Jedd O’Keeffe, Leyburn, North Yorkshire

Having joined the O’Keeffe’s yard straight from the Northern Racing College in 2016, April has shown a positive outlook from the first minute she walked into the yard.

April Clarke: has always demonstrated a willingness to learn and improve her skills

April’s ambition and focus to progress has seen her achieve her Level 2 Apprenticeship, and she regularly gives up her own time to help with the development of others both in the yard and in the wider community in Middleham.

She has always demonstrated a willingness to learn and improve her skills, and has developed into a key part of the team at Highbeck Lodge thanks to her ongoing commitment to both the horses and people at Jedd O’Keeffe Racing.

Max McLoughlin
Cheveley Park Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk

Max joined Cheveley Park having completed his training at the National Stud, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of both pedigrees and the form book immediately made him stand out.

Having had no prior experience his determination and hard work saw him progress rapidly during the busy yearling preparation season and was typical of his positive attitude.

Max McLoughlin: his positive outlook and winning smile have seen him become a valued member of the team at Cheveley Park StudCredit: Ichiro Terashima

Max has always shown an exemplary work ethic and his commitment and infectious enthusiasm motivates and inspires others in the team to always give of their best as he does.

In a short period his positive outlook and winning smile have seen him become a valued member of the team.

Leadership Award

Dan Horsford
Alan King, Marlborough, Wiltshire

Dan joined Alan King as a junior member of the team in 2010 at the Sharpridge Farm yard, and it soon became clear that he was a highly skilled rider with real leadership potential.

Dan Horsford: an invaluable part of the senior team at Alan King Racing

In 2013 he was promoted to the position of assistant trainer, and since then Dan's calm demeanour, professionalism and attention to detail have ensured the highest standards are maintained by all of the team at Sharpridge Farm.

Dan regularly represents the yard at the races and always gets great feedback from the owners, and his wide array of leadership skills have made him an invaluable part of the senior team at Alan King Racing.

Catriona Bissett
Nick Alexander, Leslie, Fife

Having completed the BHA graduate scheme in 2011, Catch joined Nick Alexander’s team in 2014 as assistant trainer.

Catriona Bissett: her role in the yard cannot be underestimatedCredit: Ichiro Terashima

Her role in the yard cannot be overestimated; from the moment an employee arrives they know that they are working with an assistant trainer who is genuinely committed to mentoring them and supporting them in fulfilling their ambitions.

Catch’s leadership and mentoring when something goes wrong are also of paramount importance in the day-to-day running of the yard, and the happy, motivated and skilful team of staff are testament to her hard work and commitment to developing them.

Barry O’Dowd
John Gosden, Newmarket, Suffolk

Barry has progressed through the ranks since joining John Gosden in 2000 and he has developed into an outstanding assistant trainer.

Barry O'Dowd: progressed through the ranks since joining John Gosden in 2000

His eye for detail, sense of responsibility and ability to make key decisions make him an invaluable asset to the team and he uses his experience of working with horses from a young age to always ensure he can help more junior members of staff.

Barry does his job with warmth, kindness, modesty and humour, and Clarehaven Stables would not function to the high levels that it does without the huge contribution he makes on a day-to-day basis.

Rider/Groom Award

Sean Graham
Philip Hobbs, Minehead, Somerset

Now in his seventh season working at Sandhill Racing Stables, the yard would not be the same without Sean’s friendly, approachable attitude.

Sean Graham: his skill as a rider has always been evident

Sean’s skill as a rider has always been evident, and his effect on improving the attitude and jumping ability of difficult young horses has paid dividends on numerous occasions, most recently with promising youngster Melchior King.

He has recently had a promotion to be the main feed man in the yard, and the way he balances this considerable responsibility with his other duties as a rider is just one example of why he is such an important part of the team.

Stewart Gossnell
Richard Hughes, Lambourn, Berkshire

Stewart’s skills as a horseman have been honed and perfected over many years, and his experience riding and travelling horses around the world are a huge asset to the team at Weathercock House.

Stewart Gossnell: skills as a horseman have been honed and perfected over many years

His assertive but calm manner with horses is particularly valuable with young, headstrong colts and their development into professional but characterful athletes is testament to his skill in the saddle.

Stewart’s attitude is to treat all the horses in the yard as individuals, always putting the horses’ wellbeing first no matter what duty he is performing. In and out of the saddle he is an integral part of the setup at Richard Hughes Racing.

Ian Clarkson
Micky Hammond, Middleham, North Yorkshire

Ian started his career working for the legendary Fred Rimmell, and in his 19 years working for Micky Hammond Racing his lifelong love for racing and horses has always shone through.

Ian Clarkson: his skill handling horses and as a work-rider are second to noneCredit: Ichiro Terashima

His skill handling horses and as a work-rider are second to none, and he always finds the time to use his experience to help develop other members of the team, both in terms of their riding and other duties too.

Time and again Ian has gone the extra mile in his duties in and around the yard and his belief in every individual, equine or human, is an example to us all.

Stud Staff Award

Andrew Snell
Cheveley Park Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk

Andrew has been an integral part of Cheveley Park Stud for almost 30 years. His professional approach, expert knowledge of equine welfare and excellent communication skills have made him a superb stud manager since his appointment in 2004.

Andrew Snell: an integral part of Cheveley Park Stud for almost 30 yearsCredit: Ichiro Terashima

His mastery of horsemanship is rivalled only by his terrific interpersonal skills, and he has always been keen to use his experience to help motivate and develop other members of the team.

Andrew has always encouraged giving opportunities to the next generation of stud staff, which is another example of the integrity and dedication which have been ever present during his time at Cheveley Park.

Christine Chapman
Theakston Stud, Bedale, North Yorkshire

With more than 35 years’ experience at Theakston Stud to her name, Christine’s trademark attention to detail has always ensured the welfare of the horses in her care comes first.

Christine Chapman: has always had an inbuilt sense when horses are not happy or comfortable

She has always had an inbuilt sense when horses are not happy or comfortable, which has proved to be invaluable on countless occasions during mares’ pregnancies or foalings.

There are very few parts of life at Theakston Stud that Christine hasn’t had an impact on and she has always been completely dedicated to her work and the horses she looks after. After so many years of loyal service, the stud simply wouldn’t be the same without her.

Kevin Tobin
New England Stud, Newmarket, Suffolk

Kevin fulfils a variety of roles in the bloodstock world, leading up horses at the sales for more than 20 years as well as sitting up with mares at New England Stud during the foaling season.

Kevin Tobin: shows an unwavering dedication to his dutiesCredit: Ichiro Terashima

No matter the role he performs, his consistent professionalism and meticulous attention to detail make him indispensable to those he works for.

He shows unwavering dedication to his duties and the horses he looks after whether at the sales or at New England Stud, and he is the embodiment of the hard-working and devoted people who do so much behind the scenes to keep the bloodstock industry running.

Dedication to Racing Award

John Bottomley
Ollie Pears, Malton, North Yorkshire

Over the 60-plus years John has worked in racing, he has been a model of dedication, loyalty and commitment to his work and to the horses in his care.

John Bottomley: a model of dedication, loyalty and commitment to his work

John’s wealth of experience and knowledge of racing have helped countless colleagues down the years, and he is always keen to help younger members of staff who are starting out and in need of guidance.

His patience, kindness and good humour have made him an irreplaceable part of the team at Ollie Pears Racing, just the latest chapter in a life which has been devoted to the thoroughbred.

David Macleod
James Ewart, Langholm, Dumfriesshire

David’s devotion to the racehorses he has looked after has never wavered in his career spanning over 50 years in the sport, and nothing is ever too much trouble when it comes to attending to the wellbeing of the thoroughbreds in his care.

David Mclead: his devotion to the racehorses he has looked after has never wavered

He is a huge part of the day-to-day running of James Ewart Racing, not least through his skill in the saddle, honed through years of practice.

Always first into work and last out, he has always conducted himself to the highest professional standards and uses his lifetime of experience to encourage others to do the same.

Jaimie Duff
Lucinda Russell, Kinross, Perthshire

Jaimie has been giving her all at Lucinda Russell’s yard since her school days, and in over 20 years there has held every position in the yard at one time or another.

Jaimie Duff: a mentor to everyone who works at Arlary House StablesCredit: Ichiro Terashima

Her years of passionate care and unswerving dedication to the horses in the yard and the team that look after them have seen her become the trainer’s right-hand woman, and no task is ever too small.

Jaimie is a mentor to everyone who works at Arlary House Stables and throughout her career she has always been a shining example of care, loyalty and dedication to her sport that she loves.

Rory MacDonald Community Award

Deborah Hay
Lingfield Park racecourse, Surrey

In her time at Lingfield Park, Deborah has been at the heart of developing significant and lasting relationships between the racecourse and the local community.

Deborah Hay: has always had a huge passion for widening racing’s appealCredit: Ichiro Terashima

Thanks to her hard work and commitment in forging relationships with charities and other bodies, over 60 young people have visited Lingfield Park as part of an accredited employability and enterprise programme.

Deborah has always had a huge passion for widening racing’s appeal and making it accessible as an employment option to young people, ensuring more communities understand the thrill of racing and going out of her way to make those who visit the racecourse feel special.

Andrea O’Keeffe
Jedd O’Keeffe, Leyburn, North Yorkshire

For much of her life in racing, Andrea has balanced her role supporting the growing training business at Highbeck Lodge with supporting others in all parts of the industry.

Andrea O'Keeffe: unfailing in her passion, selflessness and enthusiasm in making racing a better place for everyone

She has used her time in the education sector to make a massive contribution to the development of industry training programmes, as well as helping to provide a welcoming and caring environment for those joining Jedd O’Keeffe Racing.

From working with Racing Welfare and local pony and riding clubs to baking cakes and volunteering to lead initiatives with the National Trainers Federation, Andrea is unfailing in her passion, selflessness and enthusiasm in making racing a better place for everyone.

Sarah Montgomery
Musselburgh racecourse, East Lothian

Sarah willingness to help and deep-felt passion about the community local to Musselburgh Racecourse has always been evident in her work.

She has spearheaded genuine links between the course and different schools and charities through countless schemes, initiatives and projects, all motivated by ensuring everyone has access to the great racing and facilities that Musselburgh has to offer.

Sarah Montgomery: instrumental in ensuring Musselburgh now provides a free meal for stable staffCredit: Ichiro Terashima

Alongside her community work Sarah has always ensured that the importance of the stable staff is recognised at Musselburgh. She was instrumental in ensuring Musselburgh now provides a free meal for stable staff, just one example of the tireless work she does to help others both inside and outside of racing.

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