THE GODOLPHIN STUD AND STABLE STAFF AWARDS 2010
Stud Staff shine at the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards
This year’s Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards proved a great success for stud staff, with finalists in the David Nicholson Newcomer and High Achiever categories as well as the Stud Staff Category. Generously sponsored by Godolphin, and run by the British Horseracing Authority and the Racing Post, the Awards have now established themselves as a truly inspiring event in the industry calendar.
Stud Staff Award
Roy Gedge, of Hascombe and Valiant Stud near Newmarket (pictured above), scooped the award in the Stud Staff category. Having put retirement plans on hold twice, this Award is due recognition of his dedication and long service to the Stud where he has worked for 44 years, the last 25 as Stud Groom.
Gedge’s winning attributes include an impressive knowledge of the industry that he is more than willing to pass on to others and an exceptional attitude, temperament and willingness to help. Speaking at the Awards Lunch, Roy was delighted and grateful to have won his Award, and felt the event was “a great opportunity for stud staff, who may not always be in the limelight, to be recognised for the work done behind the scenes on a stud farm”. In addition to a trophy as a memento of the occasion Gedge received a cash prize of £5,000, which was matched by £5000 to be shared amongst his colleagues. Deserving runners up in this category, David Cartledge, stallion man at the Royal Studs, and Hazel Woods, yearling foreman at Kirtlington Stud, both took home trophies and £2000 with an additional £2000 for each their studs.
Newcomer Award
Just starting out in his career, James Gray from Whitsbury Manor Farm and Stud, Hampshire, took the David Nicholson Newcomer Award. Having joined Whitsbury Manor from the National Stud’s Apprenticeship Course, James spent a season learning the ropes at leading South African Stud Klawvlei, after which he returned to Whitsbury taking up the position of Second Head Man in 2009. He has a strong and abiding passion for the industry and a determination to make it up the ladder by experiencing as many aspects of the industry as he can. James also collected a trophy and £5000 with an additional £5000 going to staff at Whitsbury Manor, and is pictured above receiving his award from former Derby-winning jockey, John Reid.
High Achiever category
Catherine Morse, Stud Groom at Overbury Stud in Gloucestershire was a strong contender in the High Achiever category, and as a runner-up to eventual Employee of the Year Stuart Messenger in this category, received a trophy and £2000 for herself and a further £2000 for the stud.
Judges of all categories commented on the strength and depth of the nominations this year, and the event benefited from nearly twice as many entrants in all categories. All the finalists enjoyed their stay in London, praising the organisation of the event, the hospitality at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel and the friendly manner in which they were interviewed by judges.
For more news on the Awards and to hear an interview with James Gray of Whitsbury Manor Stud visit www.britishhorseracing.com/stablestaff
Photographs and a report are also available at www.godolphin.com
Full list of winners and runners up
DAVID NICHOLSON NEWCOMER AWARD – For employees that have worked less than five years in racing
James Gray – £5,000 and £5,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Whitsbury Farm and Stud Ltd
Position – Second Head Man
Harry Fry – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Paul Nicholls
Position – Pupil Assistant Trainer
Sam Davis – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Rae Guest, Newmarket
Position – Stable Lad
HIGH ACHIEVER AWARD – For those who have strived to progress their career within in the industry and manage at least two members of staff
Stuart Messenger – £5,000 and £5,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Sir Michael Stoute
Position – Head Lad
Timothy Potts – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Luca Cumani
Position – Head Lad
Catherine Morse – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst her colleagues
Employer – Overbury Stud
Position – Stud Groom
RIDER/GROOM AWARD – For general staff, Yard Men and Work Riders
Elizabeth George – £5,000 and £5,000 to be shared amongst her colleagues
Employer – Ed McMahon
Position – Head Girl
Shane Fetherstonhaugh – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared in amongst his colleagues
Employer – Henry Cecil
Brian Groves – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Sir Michael Stoute
STUD STAFF AWARD – For those working specifically in the breeding industry
Roy Gedge – £5,000 and £5,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Hascombe and Valiant Studs
Position: Stud Groom/Manager
David Cartledge– £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – The Royal Studs
Position – Senior Stallion Man
Hazel Woods – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst her colleagues
Employer – Kirtlington Studs
Position – Yearling Foreman
NASS SPECIAL MERIT AWARD – For a NASS Full Member, nominated by a NASS Full Member
Ken “Scobie” Bedford – £5,000 individual prize
Employer – John Dunlop
DEDICATION TO RACING AWARD – For those who have spent more than 10 years within the industry
Jimmy Scott – £5,000 and £5,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Sir Michael Stoute
Position – Travelling Head Lad
Larry Wargen – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Luca Cumani
Position – Head Yard/Feed Man
Clifford Baker – £2,000 and £2,000 to be shared amongst his colleagues
Employer – Paul Nicholls
Position – Head Lad
STABLE AND STABLE STAFF EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2009
WINNER Stuart Messenger
Received a prize of £25,000; £15,000 for himself plus £10,000 to be shared amongst his stable colleagues (in addition to prize money for winning his category)
Photo Credits:
Pre-Awards images were taken by photographer, Chris Smith, apart from David Cartledge whose photo was taken by Chris Herring.
Event images were taken by Dan Abraham of Racingfotos.com
