Twelve of the most worthy and vital employees in the Australian thoroughbred racing and breeding industry have been selected as finalists in the 2017 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.
In their third year in Australia, the awards that recognise and reward the work done behind racing's front line, attracted a record entry and revealed rare skills, along with the common themes of loyalty, devotion, and humility throughout the six categories.
In the category of Leadership, the judges narrowed the field down to John Livingstone from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable and Jade Rossington, the stud manager at Willow Park Stud at Scone.Livingston, the Director of Operations and an exercise rider at Tulloch Lodge was described by his nominator as the "ultimate professional" who leads by example. Rossington earned her place as a finalist for "utter professionalism" that has made her "an industry treasure".
The finalists in the Horsemanship category are Scott Eeles, the Godolphin breaking foreman and Kellie McCarthy, assistant manager at Mill Park Stud in South Australia, both described by their nominators as "exemplary" workers whose skills are matched by their dedication.
In the Dedication to Breeding section, Vicki Cannon has made "immeasurable contribution" and "dedicated her life" to Gooree Stud over 32 years. Fellow finalist Patrick Sheehan the foaling manager at Coolmore Stud is commended for "utter dependability and effortless calm", as well as his "profound love for thoroughbreds".
Likewise Jeremy Rogers, one of three finalists from Australia's biggest racing stable. Rogers has overcome some significant hurdles to become what his boss Darren Weir says is the "backbone of my business" as his racing manager.
Along with "stablemate" Angela Taylor-Moy, Weir's stable foreman, Rogers is a finalist in the Dedication to Racing category.
Also from the Weir stable is Lee Purchase whose various roles in the trainer's team includes re-settling retired racehorses. She has so far found homes for some 250 of them, her dedication to her cause compelling her to follow each of them in their new careers and making her a finalist in the Thoroughbred Care and Welfare category for the second time.
In the same section of the Awards, Jane Gollan made the final two for her work in re-homing virtually every horse that retires from the stable of her husband, Queensland's premier trainer Tony Gollan.
The list of finalists is completed by Lyn Dressing who has been at the heart of the operations of bloodstock transport business IRT for 45 years. Along with Sarah Moran, the personal assistant and "right arm" of Victorian trainer Robbie Griffiths, she is a finalist in the Administration and Ancillary category.
The awards conducted by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Racing Australia provide a $10,000 cash prize and trophy to each of the six category winners with a further $5,000 presented for overall Thoroughbred Excellence.
The award winners will be announced on Friday, June 9, 2017 at a gala ceremony at Eagle Farm Racecourse, Brisbane.
For further information please go to studandstablestaffawards.com.au.
