Nominations open for the 2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Nominations open on Monday for the 2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, which will shine a light on the extraordinary challenges faced by key industry personnel during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a series of changes brought about by Covid-19, the awards ceremony will take place virtually and prize-money will be distributed more widely to recognise the far-reaching impact of the pandemic.

The 17th running of the awards will focus on the role stud and stable staff played during the suspension of racing and since its resumption.

Hugh Anderson, managing director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), said: "In this extraordinary year it's more important than ever that we reward those dedicated, hardworking people who do so much behind the scenes of the racing and breeding industries.

"The challenges that both industries have faced during the Covid-19 pandemic have been on a scale unlike anything we've felt before, and those who work with our horses day in, day out have shown outstanding commitment in keeping our industries going.

"Godolphin is delighted to be continuing its support of these awards and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of stud and stable staff up and down the land again in 2021."

Nominations will close on November 10 and can be made by anyone on behalf of anyone working in a yard or stud via studandstablestaffawards.co.uk. Video nominations will again be accepted.

Any applicant who makes the shortlist of ten but does not progress to the final three will receive £250.

The judging day for the finalists, which is likely to be conducted remotely, will take place on February 22 next year.

Although the awards ceremony will be replaced by an interactive virtual event, a celebratory occasion is being planned for summer 2021, subject to the relevant government guidance.

In other changes, broadcaster Nick Luck will take over from Brough Scott as chair of the judging panel, while Eileen Harte, co-owner of successful consignor Keith Harte Bloodstock Ltd, will also be joining the panel for the first time.

Luck said: "I'm in little doubt that in taking over from Brough I've some large shoes to fill. It's a great pleasure to be involved in these awards and I'm sure that as ever the panel will have an unenviable task in picking the winners from what's likely to be as strong a field of nominations as there's ever been."

Nominations for the 2021 Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards can be made at studandstablestaffawards.co.uk