Irish racing's unsung heroes honoured at Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards

If ever there was a year to reflect and pay tribute to the immense dedication of Ireland's stud and stable staff, it was this one.

Irish racing was forced to stop for two and a half months during the early stages of the pandemic last year, but the devoted work of horsemen and women across the country never wavered.

These are the people who truly kept the show on the road during the most challenging and uncertain Covid-19 times.

Those extraordinary efforts were duly recognised at the 2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards on Wednesday and there was no shortage of emotion as Fran Berry surprised each of the winners at their workplaces in a fitting broadcast on Racing TV.

Tears flowed from the eyes of Valerie Keatley, head girl for Johnny Murtagh, after she took home the overall Irish Racing Excellence award, having also landed the Leadership award for Stable Employees – a poignant honour for her years of loyal service.

"I eat, sleep and breathe horses so it was a huge honour to be nominated and be chosen as one of the finalists," she said. "It's just unbelievable – I'm over the moon."

Rachael Blackmore was on hand to break the good news to Henry de Bromhead's head lad Emmett Raher that he had won the hotly contested Horse Care award – before dousing him with a bucket of water.

David Glennon, stable lad for Dermot Weld over the past 27 years, was another who couldn't hide his delight at winning the In The Saddle award.

Anne O'Connor, racing secretary for Mick Halford, was handed the Administration award by her proud boss, and Irish Jockeys' Trust career coach Helen O'Sullivan claimed the Racing and Breeding Support Services award for her years of encouraging aspiring jockeys to reach their full potential.

Derrinstown Stud's horsebox driver Ger Brabston saw off a strong field to win the prestigious Dedication to Racing and Breeding award, recognition for his 37 years of service to the industry.

Newtown Stud manager Caroline Hannon's horse-care excellence and positive influence on her colleagues resulted in her landing the Leadership award for stud staff, while the Newcomer award went to the enthusiastic Keith Lynam, a complete outsider to the world of breeding before joining Ringfort Stud as a groom in 2017.

The Irish Stablestaff Association chose Tramore as the Racecourse award winners, with the committee commending the huge efforts made by the track to facilitate and support stable staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Godolphin Ireland managing director Joe Osborne said: "It's an inspiring array of talent, dedication and enthusiasm – talents which have helped us all navigate our sector through a difficult time.

"Valerie Keatley deserves particular mention as winner of the Irish Racing Excellence award. She's a great role model for everyone in our industry and we're delighted her leadership skills have been credited with that prestigious award."

In a further twist, IHRB senior medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh was invited to speak with editor of the Racing Post in Ireland Richard Forristal, who presented the programme, and Osborne, strictly on the basis she would pay tribute to the work of stud and stable staff.

Instead, she was surprised with a Special Recognition award for her outstanding efforts to ensure Irish racing's safe return to action last June.

A fitting honour in a ceremony that highlighted some of the best and brightest aspects that Irish racing has to offer.

Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards 2021

Irish Racing Excellence award
Valerie Keatley, head girl, Johnny Murtagh

Racing and Breeding Support Services award
Helen O'Sullivan, career coach, Irish Jockeys' Trust

Administration award
Anne O'Connor, racing secretary, Mick Halford

Newcomer award
Keith Lynam, stud groom, Ringfort Stud

Horse Care award
Emmett Raher, head lad, Henry de Bromhead

In The Saddle award
David Glennon, stable lad, Dermot Weld

Leadership award (Stud)
Caroline Hannon, manager, Newtown Stud

Leadership award (Stable)
Valerie Keatley, head girl, Johnny Murtagh

Dedication to Racing and Breeding award
Ger Brabston, horsebox driver, Derrinstown Stud

Special Recognition award
Dr Jennifer Pugh, senior medical officer, IHRB

Racecourse award
Tramore Racecourse

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