Rebecca Edmunds named Employee of the Year at Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Rebecca 'Beck' Edmunds of Bryan Smart Racing has been named Employee of the Year at the 2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

Edmunds receives £10,000 for winning the award, while a further £10,000 will be shared among her colleagues at Bryan Smart's yard.

In the virtual ceremony hosted by Ed Chamberlin, Edmunds was also the recipient of the Leadership Award, earning herself and her colleagues an additional £5,000.

North Yorkshire trainer Smart nominated Edmunds in recognition of the "exceptional knowledge, unwavering dedication and loyalty" she has brought to his yard over 17 years of service.

A delighted Edmunds said: “I’m just proud and proud for the yard – I’m so, so pleased for them. We’ve had such a rough year, so has everybody, but our little team here work our backsides off and to be able to win this for them is just great.”

The judging panel, headed this year by Racing TV presenter Nick Luck, noted how Edmunds had been viewed as a mentor and role model by those she works with.

The panel were also impressed by her ability to adjust working patterns and practices during the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to her clear affinity with the horses in her care.

Luck said: "Everybody nominated is so deserving of the recognition winning brings and it was a pleasure to get to know the individuals put forward by their colleagues for consideration this year.

Nick Luck: headed the judging panel for the 2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff AwardsCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Beck is a most deserving winner of the Employee of the Year award and all of her colleagues at Bryan Smart Racing should rightly feel very proud this evening.

"The continuation of racing has had a positive impact on the mental health of fans during a difficult year, so it is right that we acknowledge the sacrifices made by staff to make this possible.

"These dedicated and talented people have worked hard throughout to provide world-class care to our horses, ensuring they are fit and ready to perform at the highest level for our entertainment."

Total prize-money of £128,500 was awarded over the course of a ceremony organised by the BHA in conjunction with the Racing Post and Racing TV.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of the BHA, said: "I have always been struck by the dedication, professionalism and passion shown by our remarkable stud and stable staff.

"While it is always true that those of us who love our sport and our horses owe a debt of gratitude to them, it feels even more necessary this year to say the most heartfelt 'thank you'.

"Racing was privileged to be one of the very first sports to resume last summer and our racing and stable staff played a vital role in making this happen.

"They adapted brilliantly to significant changes in working practices, and continued to provide a high level care to the horses entrusted to them.

"I am proud to say that I work in the same industry and would like to say a massive thank you not only to all those nominated tonight but everybody working in yards and studs up and down the country.

"My heartfelt congratulations go to Beck and all of this evening's winners."

2021 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards: the winners and runners-up

Newcomer

Alice Price – Ben Pauling
Jaydon Lee – Nicky Henderson
Chrissie Sykes – Ruth Carr

Leadership

Rebecca Edmunds – Bryan Smart
Alex Cairns – James Fanshawe
Lauren Webb – Daniel & Claire Kubler

Rider/Groom

Joanna Lacisz – Sir Michael Stoute
Sarah Peacock – Tom George
Faisal – Richard Phillips

Stud Staff

Elody Swann – Newsells Park Stud
Martin Languillet – Fittocks Stud
Tom Hughes – Hazelwood Bloodstock

Dedication

Joline Saunders – Richard Phillips
Guianand Bissessur – William Haggas
Debbie Howie – John Gosden

Community Award

Richard Phillips
Simon Jones – Charity fundraiser
Samantha Trainor – National Horseracing College

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