When the Roger Varian-trained filly Elmalka swooped from last to first to win the recent 1000 Guineas at Newmarket under jockey Silvestre De Sousa, the loudest cheers on the track were coming from the filly’s devoted groom Kerry Humphries.

“I lost my voice!” she says of that “really special day”.

“I was over the moon and so proud of her and the way she did it – she was out the back most of the way then flew home, it was brilliant. When she started getting closer, we started jumping and cheering. Then when she crossed the line in front, we all ended up hugging each other.”

Kerry says the emotions flowed as she led Elmalka back to the winner’s enclosure.

“I couldn’t stop shaking. These special days are why you work in racing and you don’t win a Classic every day, so it makes it all worthwhile. You’ve got to enjoy every moment and make the most of it.”

Kerry Humphries: family ties

Kerry has looked after Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum’s Kingman filly since Elmalka arrived on the Newmarket yard last year, jumping at the chance having previously looked after her older half-sister Madaara.

“Madaara was a very big horse whereas Elmalka’s really small – they’re complete opposites,” says Kerry of the daughters of Selkirk mare Nahrain, who gave Roger Varian his first Group One winner back in 2011.

“Elmalka is really sweet, she loves a cuddle, her polos, her carrots and her apples, but she has a bit of sass about her at the same time!

“Sometimes when you’re brushing her over she’ll throw a leg out at you, or when you’re washing her off – she keeps you on your toes! But on the whole, she’s really sweet.”

In the run-up to the Classic race, the signs were there that Elmalka might well out-run her odds of 33/1 on just her third racecourse appearance.

“She is ridden at home every day by Beth Dixon, who has ridden her from her early days and adores Elmalka. On the day before the Guineas she actually ran off the end of the canter with her – she’s never done anything like that before so we said she’s definitely in good order!” says Kerry. “We were confident she’d run a good race anyway. She’s a tough filly and we always knew she’d be doing her best late on. It was amazing to watch.”

A twist of fate: “It was right on my doorstep”

Kerry was brought up around horses as her mum had a horse, but she only came into racing by chance.

“My dad is a roofer and had been working on the roof of the Northern Racing College in Doncaster,” recalls Kerry. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school and he said how about applying there. Growing up, my mum and dad would take my brother and me racing quite regularly, so I had an interest in it, but I didn’t know the racing college existed, even though it was right on my doorstep.”

Kerry has now been working for leading trainer Roger Varian for the past 10 years and met her “absolute world” One Pekan on her first day there, crediting the horse for helping her deal with the grief of losing her mother unexpectedly in 2021.

After dual Epsom winner One Pekan retired from the track in 2017, Kerry jumped at the chance to take on the racehorse whom she adored. The devoted duo have been enjoying showjumping, cross-country and pleasure rides – and “he’s still a monkey!” she says.

“Last Sunday I noticed everyone posting lovely pictures of their pristine horses in showing classes and so on, when I’d taken mine on a 10-mile pleasure ride and five minutes in, he’d got down and rolled in the mud with me!” she laughs. “He’s 14, yet still does things like that!”

Riding a former racehorse without a bridle

So close is their bond however, that Kerry can ride her former racehorse One Pekan at home without a bridle.

“I don’t know what was going through my head, but one day I thought I’d take my bridle off and canter round without it and he was brilliant,” she says of the Retraining of Racehorses personality of the year finalist. “He listens so well to my voice – I can lunge him without a lunge line and I can get him to walk, trot and canter round in a circle just through my voice.

“But if I take him out cantering in the fields, he doesn’t listen to me at all!”

Talking about the joy of owning a former racehorse, Kerry explains: “I’ve looked after Pekan from my first day working at Roger Varian’s, so we’ve gone through the whole process of working together within the racing industry to me giving him a home after racing. He is such a character and very quirky, I adore him.”

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Trainer Gay Kelleway credited the “amazing” volunteers and the racing world who have supported aid and rescue missions from the Ukraine-Poland border.

Gay received the community award at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin, at York racecourse on 20 February, in recognition of the help she has given to people and animals affected by the war in Ukraine.

“Forget about me being a trainer, this is what I wanted to do because I love horses – I just love horses – and I want to do something worthwhile,” said Gay, on receiving the award, which was presented in recognition of the late former chief executive of the British Racing School, Rory MacDonald.

She added that the amazing support from “all sorts of people” within the racing community is “heartwarming”.

“It all started with Charlie Mann, when he got the racing community together to deliver goods, and I rang him and I said that I’d like to help,” she said.

Gay co-ordinated the JustGiving account and convoys of horseboxes delivering critical medical aid and supplies to an equine hub on the border.

She honoured the many others involved, including Charlie Thornycroft and Neil Carson. They saved hundreds of horses, reuniting them with owners, as well as dogs, cats – and families.

“It was so tough, so hard, what we saw,” she said. “People were wonderful. The racing community was amazing. Racing people… we are so competitive, we all compete against each other. But when it came to this, everyone got together and donated. That’s the wonderful thing about racing.

“Racing got together and delivered – whether it be rugs, feed, dentistry, from farriers to vets, owners, all types of people. It was amazing how many people supported.”

Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards: honours for ‘everyday heroes’

Awards were presented across six categories. The first prize of the evening was the David Nicholson newcomer award, which went to 19-year-old Ryan Kavanagh.

The teenager had his sights set on becoming an electrician and had no prior experience before joining Amy Murphy, but became hooked on horses after stepping in when the yard was short-staffed in 2021. He recently lost his eldest brother and is said to have become “the rock for his family”.

“I had no interest in it at all until I walked into the yard and fell in love with the horses,” said Ryan, who is pursuing his new dream of gaining his apprentice licence.

“I wouldn’t be here without the team back at home, so I can’t thank them enough.”

Amy Vickers, who joined Harry and Roger Charlton’s Beckhampton base 30 years ago, took home the rider/groom award.

“Horses are my obsession, really,” she said. “I have to say thank you to my daughter and my husband for being so patient with me while I’m working all the time!”

Bethan Byrne, of Godolphin’s Dalham Hall Stud, collected the stud staff prize and Claire Ricks, from Marco Botti’s team, was presented with the dedication award. The overall employee of the year honour went to Sarah Guest, winner of the leadership award.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised nominees with a good luck video message ahead of the awards.

“I am delighted that the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards are taking place in Yorkshire for the first time,” said Mr Sunak.

“From my visits to Middleham, and Catterick racecourse, both in my constituency, I have seen the sheer hard work, grit and dedication of all in British racing for the horses in their care.

“Tonight’s finalists exemplify all that is best about British racing and breeding – an industry which does so much for communities across our country, generates over £4 billion for our economy, and showcases Britain on the global stage.

“I want to see British racing and breeding stay at the front of this global race in the years ahead.”

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A yard manager whose love of horses sparked her career was honoured with a prestigious award in recognition of helping others fulfil their potential.

Sarah Guest won the leadership award and was named employee of the year at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin, at York racecourse on Monday (20 February). Her wins meant she took home £15,000, with the same again to be shared among her colleagues at trainer John O’Shea’s yard.

In 2022, John fell ill and was out of action for more than three months. Sarah’s “initiative, leadership and determination” was credited for keeping the yard running and she was described as “the very definition of a leader”.

“It’s very much a family. We all work together and we all support each other,” said Sarah, on collecting her leadership award from ITV Racing’s Francesca Cumani and former champion jockey Richard Johnson.

“Everyone leans on me and I lean on them, because we are a small yard and we just keep everything rolling.”

She credited John’s support for where she is today, and explained more about how she helps people follow their racing career dreams.

“We find them the right paths in racing that suits them,” she said. “It’s not always going to be the jockey route, it could be more of a sort of administration route, we find what’s right for them and we push them down the right path.”

On receiving her overall accolade, a “speechless” Sarah spoke about how learning never stops when it comes to horses.

“I know I’m not perfect and every day is a school day,” she said, adding that the award is “massive” for the “little yard in the middle of nowhere”.

“I learn on courses, and today to speak to the newcomers, to the other staff here and to the stud staff… that is an inspiration. I have loved it and I’ve taken something from it. And I can’’ wait to go back and tell everyone all about it,” she said.

Broadcaster Nick Luck, chair of the judging panel, said Sarah is a “richly deserving winner”.

“There can be no doubting the importance of Sarah to the John O’Shea operation, which was demonstrated to greatest effect during 2022 when he was unwell,” added Nick.

“Sarah is a shining example of the sort of hard work and dedication that keeps yards up and down the country running, and we as an industry can be rightly proud of her dedication to ensuring the wellbeing of her colleagues and the horses in her care.

“It is particularly pleasing to name an employee of the year from outside the nation’s most powerful yards.”

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A head girl who has shown “unwavering dedication and loyalty” took home the top prize at the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards.

Rebecca “Beck” Edmunds, of Bryan Smart Racing, won the leadership award and was then named the 2021 employee of the year at the virtual event (22 February), taking home £30,000 to be split between her and the team.

She was nominated for the awards by her boss, who cited Beck’s “exceptional knowledge, unwavering dedication and loyalty” and her attention to detail when working with both horses and humans.

Beck told H&H the nomination letter “made her cry” and she was “over the moon” to win.

“I’m so proud of all the people I work with, I know it was my name on the award, but we are a team and this is for them,” she said.

“My job is preparing racehorses and you find the keys to make them perform to their best, and it is very similar with the staff.

“To me, they are my family and nobody comes into this yard without me trying to get to know a bit more about them.

“People find it much easier to communicate with you if you understand them.”

She added that she likes knowing the staff trust they can talk to her in confidence and by getting to know the team, it means they can spot if someone isn’t quite themselves. She has also undertaken Racing Welfare’s mental health first aid course.

“You can’t fix everyone, but you can be there for them and I can get them the help they need, if they need it, and there is a lot available,” she said.

She said looking after the staff and making an effort to keep up morale, particularly though Yorkshire’s harsh winters and the pandemic (“some haven’t been able to go home”), is very important.

Alongside the big things that make for a happy work environment, she added little gestures such as tubs of chocolate to cheer the lads up in miserable weather and making an effort on birthdays, don’t take much but show people they are valued.

“If you can just make somebody smile once a day, that’s a good thing,” she said, adding she sees herself a “bit of a mother hen”.

After graduating from Moreton Morrell, Beck worked in a hunting and thoroughbred breeding yard, through which she met her husband, Kevin, who is now Bryan Smart’s assistant trainer. The couple spent a couple of years at a National Hunt yard, when the head lad position came up at Bryan Smart’s.

Kevin got the job and Beck started riding out, before joining full time and worked her way up from being a stable lass to head girl over the last 17 years.

“I’ve been in that position ever since,” she said, adding she loves her job. “The horses’ welfare is always put first and foremost in this yard and that’s why we get on so well with the boss.

She said the bond you form when working with horses and those quiet one-on-one moments are what make the job so special.

“There is nothing better than riding a horse at near-on 40mph — there is nothing like that buzz. It is a thrill and a privilege that these horses trust us enough to let us ride them,” she said.

Nick Luck, chair of the judging panel, said Beck is “a most deserving winner” and her colleagues “should rightly feel very proud”.

“There surely cannot be many prizes as difficult to judge as the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards. 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,” he added.

“We know that the continuation of racing over the past few months has had a positive impact on the mental health of the sport’s fans during a most difficult year, so it is right that we acknowledge the sacrifices made by racing 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.

“My congratulations go to all of our winners this evening, as well as those nominated. I also would also like to extend the thanks of the judging panel to racing staff for their incredible work in the last 12 months.”

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The full list of finalists and winners are as follows (winners in bold):

Newcomer

Jaydon Lee – Nicky Henderson

Alice Price – Ben Pauling

Chrissie Sykes – Ruth Carr

Leadership

Alex Cairns – James Fanshawe

Rebecca “Beck” Edmunds – Bryan Smart

Lauren Webb – Daniel & Claire Kubler

Rider/Groom

Joanna Łacisz – Sir Michael Stoute

Sarah Peacock – Tom George

Faisal – Richard Phillips

Stud Staff

Tom Hughes – Hazelwood Bloodstock

Martin Languillet – Fittocks Stud

Elody Swann – Newsells Park Stud

Dedication

Guianand Bissessur – William Haggas

Debbie Howie – John Gosden

Joline Saunders – Richard Phillips

Also honoured was Richard Phillips, who collected the Community Award, presented in recognition of the wonderful work Rory MacDonald achieved at the British Racing School. The runners-up were: Simon Jones (Charity Fundraiser) and Samantha Trainor (National Horseracing College).

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A new league with €18,000 (£15,560) prize money has been launched to recognise the hard work and skill that goes into caring for horses.

The Irish Thoroughbred Welfare Council’s best turned out league rewards stable staff with cash prizes for the “high standards of care and attention” they consistently show to horses in their charge.

While turnout prizes are commonplace in racing, this creates a league to further celebrate racing grooms’ hard work across the year.

The scheme, launched by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), is split by yard size (number of runners) as well as Flat and National Hunt categories, with €3,000 (£2,606) on offer in each section.

Participating racecourses will record their best turned out winners and HRI will then tally these into league tables. The results will be calculated at the end of the year, with prizes going to the team in the winning yards.

“The care of our horses is largely in the hands of our stable staff whose work is greatly appreciated,” said HRI equine and bloodstock director John Osborne.

“The presentation of the horses is really a reflection of all the days spent preparing the horses at home. The best turned out league will particularly highlight the yards which consistently do well even if they are at a numerical disadvantage. The work required is the same, whether the yard is small or large.”

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Yards can win prizes in both Flat and National Hunt categories, while the specific size category into which a yard fits will be established at year end, when the number of runners is calculated. If there is a tie, the prize will be divided.

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At the age of 32, professional footballer Jay Tabb made a dramatic career U-turn, swapping his football boots for a racing saddle.

Having been a football-obsessed child, Jay turned professional aged 17 and went on to play for clubs such as Coventry and Reading.

“I spent 15 years playing football and I was very fortunate to do a job I loved,” says Jay. “Ultimately, it led me to the racing industry. While at Coventry, my roommate would watch the racing and that’s how I got into it. I grew up in London, so horses did not feature in my childhood at all.”

After over a decade of playing football, Jay “stopped enjoying” the game and was looking for a new direction.

“My mum passed away and it just gave me a new perspective on life. So in March last year, I applied for a 12-week course at the National Horseracing College in Doncaster, where fortunately they have no age restrictions,” he adds.

“Before I started there, I went for some riding lessons at a local riding school near where I lived at the time in Wimbledon village. I had never ridden before so it got me used to riding a horse. Riding a thoroughbred was obviously very different and it took time to get used to.

“I was lucky enough to jointly-own some racehorses while I was playing football, so had visited trainers’ yards to watch horses on the gallops, but I had to go back to basics at the racing college — simple things like putting a headcollar on and picking out feet were all new to me.”

Jay finished his course in Doncaster in June last summer and arrived at his new role for National Hunt trainer Philip Hobbs in July.

“Philip was my first choice of trainer and luckily enough I was accepted,” says Jay. “Everyone at the yard has been amazing so far and really helpful. I’ve had a few moments on the gallops, like when my tack has slipped and I’ve fallen off – if you fall off you bring cake in the morning, so I’ve been keeping the local bakery in business!”

A highlight for Jay came last week at the Cheltenham Festival (10-13 March), when he led up Oakley (pictured, above) in the Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle.

“I have always watched the Festival on television, so it was just incredible to be there leading up a horse,” he adds.

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Jay had to lose two stone before starting his course at the racing college, where they have to weigh in at 11 stone. He now has ambitions to ride in a charity race, with riding in a point-to-point the “ultimate dream”.

“If you love horses and fancy a career change, I would definitely recommend the racing industry and say, just go for it. I have absolutely loved it and it has been life-changing for me.”

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Following news that the government plans to introduce a points-based policy that will tighten up the laws around immigration of ‘unskilled’ workers, H&H canvasses opinion from racing, polo and beyond on the impact it could have on the equestrian world...

A new points-based immigration policy that tightens up on “unskilled” workers has been welcomed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), but met mixed reactions from other areas of the industry.

The proposal, announced on 19 February means migrants can only enter the UK with a job offer that meets the salary threshold of £25,600. In areas of a recognised skills shortage, this will be £20,480.

Migrants must prove they can speak English, but other criteria are flexible; workers can meet the points requirement if they have high-level qualifications in a relevant subject.

Ross Hamilton, head of corporate affairs for the BHA, believes it could mean more foreign staff would be able to access some jobs in racing. He told H&H he welcomed the lowering of the threshold from £30,000, the current level for non-EU workers, as well as the fact some “racing and breeding roles are now recognised as eligible for the skilled worker route”.

Around 80% of racing staff are from Britain and Northern Ireland, 10% from European economic area countries and 8% from elsewhere (2% have no nationality declared). Racing has previously identified a shortage in skill areas including work riding.

“The BHA will, alongside the National Trainers Federation and Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, engage fully and constructively with the government,” Mr Hamilton said. “We will also engage in the process on the shortage occupation list, where we will continue our calls for the future immigration system to recognise the skilled nature of the work required to care for racehorses, and allow us access to the best international talent supporting our domestic recruitment efforts.”

Mr Hamilton cautioned that EU yard staff must apply for settled status for themselves and their families, on which more information is available on the BHA website.

The Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), which brings in many high-level, non-EU grooms on sponsored visas, said it is working closely with the Home Office and will be assessing the impact on polo.

The HPA said the sport has long relied on foreign grooms, mainly from Argentina, as the short season makes it unattractive to many UK workers.

“It will be down to the Home Office as to how the criteria are applied to polo,” an HPA spokesman said. He added that efforts had been made to fill a potential skills gap including expanding arena polo, which helps provide work all year, as well as looking at routes to develop domestic grooms, but that changes “don’t happen overnight and fundamentally, polo is a seasonal sport”.

For the wider industry, the post-Brexit changes will mean EU nationals may not enter the UK to work on a self-employed basis. Foreign workers seeking employment as yard staff are also unlikely to meet the requirements.

British Grooms Association executive director Lucy Katan told H&H the loss of this labour could be the shake-up the sector needs, and employers will need to ensure jobs appeal to potential staff.

“There are clearly changes afoot as I would be very surprised if working as a groom would gain skilled status,” she said. “I believe we will now need to work far closer with the colleges to create a workplace attractive to young people as well as retaining those in the sector.”

Equestrian recruitment consultant Caroline Carter agreed.

“In some ways it’s a shame, but in others it forces the industry to get its act together,” she told H&H. “I think it will make people at the lower end of the scale raise their game, especially those who want to pay less than legal wages. The need for change has been long overdue.”

Employment lawyer Philip Richardson, partner at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, said the news could “drastically” affect employers relying on migrant workers.

“Although the government wants businesses to recruit locally and change their recruitment model, this could be impossible as many employers struggle to secure British employees,” he told H&H.

He warned that employers could face penalties for employing migrants who enter the UK without a previous job offer or not speaking English, but that full details on rules and penalties will be published in the white paper due in March.

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James Frank from Hascombe and Valiant Stud was crowned employee of the year at the racing industry’s Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards last night (24 February).

Zimbabwean James, who has worked in the racing and bloodstock industry for 17 years, won the stud staff award category, and was then named the evening’s overall winner.

He pocketed an impressive £20,000 in prize money, courtesy of the award sponsors Godolphin, with the same amount shared between staff at the Anthony Oppenheimer-owned Newmarket stud.

ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin and champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy hosted the London award ceremony, which was organised by the British Horseracing Authority.

The judging panel comprised 12 industry experts, including Brough Scott, who is stepping down as chairman of the panel after 15 years, Mick Fitzgerald, Nick Luck, Guy Disney, Mark Bradburne and last year’s victor Catriona Bissett.

James came to Britain from Zimbabwe in his 20s and was described as a “hard-working and compassionate member of stud staff” with “exceptional skill and patience with tricky young foals and mares.”

His dedication and thorough work over the years has seen him involved in the early stages of some of Flat racing’s greats, including Derby and Arc hero Golden Horn and four-time Group one winner Cracksman.

“I want to say thank you so much to all the judges, Hascombe and Valiant Stud and all those who have supported me,” said James. “Horses have played a big part in my life. The lives of my family and children, who are here tonight supporting me, have been changed through me working in the racing and bloodstock industry.

“If I wasn’t working in this industry, I would probably be back at home in Zimbabwe struggling with life right now — so horses have changed all of our lives for the better.

He added: “My all-time favourite horse has to be Golden Horn, his win in the Derby at Epsom was just phenomenal.”

Brough said: “The panel’s job was as tough as ever this year with some remarkable stories of commitment, hard work and dedication among this year’s finalists.

“But we had to reach a final decision and James is a hugely deserving winner for his years of perseverance and outstanding service to the breeding industry.”

An incredible £128,000 in total prize money was awarded on the evening across the seven categories.

Continues below…

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 The winners

Employee of the year: James Frank (Hascombe and Valiant Stud)

David Nicholson newcomer award: Kevin Skelton (Bryan Smart)

Runners-up: Charlotte Cotgrave (Mark Johnston); Bradley Harris (Andrew Balding)

Leadership award: Mat Nicholls (Kim Bailey)

Runners-up: Leanne Kershaw (Jedd O’Keeffe); James Savage (Sir Michael Stoute)

Rider/groom award: Hayley Ashcroft (Tom Dascombe)

Runners-up: Shoab Patel (Stuart Williams); Kate McCormack (Paul Nicholls)

Stud staff award: James Frank (Hascombe and Valiant Stud)

Runners-up: Paddy Meehan (The National Stud); Keith Warburton (Shade Oak Stud)

Dedication to racing award: Andy Stringer (John Gosden)

Runners-up: Seanie Mulcaire (Philip Hobbs); Phil Wright (Harry Dunlop)

Rory MacDonald award: Simone Sear (Racing Welfare)

Runners-up: Eleanor Boden (Scottish Racing), Rachel ‘Chicky’ Oaksey – (Injured Jockeys Fund)

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The challenges faced by working mothers in the equestrian world have been put into the spotlight.

Women in Racing hosted a panel discussion on 18 November as a first step in research to understand more about the situation for women in the industry. This covered issues, real and perceived, positives and negatives, and what more could be done to support bosses, staff and the self-employed balancing families and work.

It was stressed that the research covered fathers and all types of family as well as mothers.

The panel, chaired by business consultancy Simply Racing founder Dena Arstall, comprised British Horseracing Authority director of legal and governance Catherine Beloff, Debbie Grey from the diversity in racing steering group, Suzanne Homewood of Samsung and a director at British Dressage, and broadcaster Gina Bryce.

While the panel started the debate, it was widened to the floor and restrictions were placed on revealing people’s identities to encourage open discussion.

Participants spoke of feelings of guilt, fears of loss of identity, loneliness, and of people’s reactions and the impact on a career. There were also positive stories of parenthood and ways people have found balance.

The conversation went beyond racing yards to cover the wider industry, but the point was made that racing is facing a staffing crisis. Losing skilled staff owing to the challenges they face physically ahead of maternity leave, as well as logistically with having a family, was also raised.

Statistics show that as of June 2017, 51% of the sport’s stable staff workforce was female, up from 42% in 2010. Nearly three-quarters of students at the British Racing School and Northern Racing College in the 2016/17 academic year were women.

The cost of childcare, and it not always being available early enough in the day, were seen as major barriers. But evidence needs to be collected to get the real picture.

Topics also covered how small businesses cope with employees on maternity leave or unable to carry out the same duties as before they were pregnant.

The discussion focused on what racing could learn from other industries and what changes could help. Suggestions included flexible working and more support for bosses in managing this type of conversation, and managing family life themselves.

Women in Racing chairman Tallulah Lewis told H&H the debate “surpassed expectations”, and they have since had a huge number of emails and suggestions.

“Our objective was very much to kick-start the discussion, get everyone engaged and create a space for dialogue,” she said, adding they want to look across the industry in the research.

“The next step will be to collect data and give it to the industry, to hopefully offer something tangible that people can use,” she said. “One thing we hope to look at is what other industries do.”

Ms Lewis added this is not just about families but the whole sport, and hopes this is an area in which racing can lead by example.

“We know there is a staffing crisis but this goes beyond that,” she said. “This affects everyone and if we lose people, it damages the whole industry.”

Rupert Arnold, of the National Trainers Federation (NTF), told H&H these are important conversations.

He added the NTF has plenty of advice available for trainers, including someone who specialises in employment, toolkits and guidance on what support people might need and how to make a business attractive to those returning to work.

“Research has been done that shows for racing staff there is a drop in young women aged 24 or 25, and the assumption was some of them would be starting families,” he said.

“One obstacle to them coming back to work is childcare. Some trainers are changing working hours of individuals so they can access that, and implementing flexible hours. I think more and more trainers are seeing it is not just the sensible thing to do for [employees with families] but that the industry is short of skilled people and people with experience in racing yards, so being flexible can help fill those gaps.”

National Association of Racing Staff (NARS) chief executive George McGrath told H&H those working in yards and facing issues such as the cost of childcare with the loss of benefits need to be represented in these discussions, and the conversation must not ignore the needs of fathers.

“Our members can come to us for support or advice on anything,” he said. “We do support a number of mothers who have had issues and there have been cases where certain trainers have seen pregnancy as a case for dismissal.”

He stressed that this is a small minority and by no means the whole picture of racing.

Liz Daniels, of the British Grooms Association (BGA) and the Equestrian Employers Association (EEA), who has worked on yards, told H&H many members are working mothers.

“There are so many amazing jobs now [that will fit with your own circumstances], whether you are based on the yard and need stability and structure, or freelance where you can set your own working patterns,” she said.

She added there is guidance for staff, employers and freelancers on the BGA and EEA websites.

“It is about finding a way to make it work,” she said.

“For smaller yards with few or one employee, that will be a challenge, but there are always ways, even if it means you get someone in part-time or freelance.

“Of course it does have an impact on small businesses and the EEA has practical advice. It is daunting for both employers and employees.”

She added everyone’s circumstances are different, so communication is crucial.

“From my perspective, it was really important for me to have my own identity,” she said. “I’ve had horses all my life and built my career around them, and I wanted to maintain that.”

Simone Sear, Racing Welfare’s director of welfare, told H&H the charity offers support to those in need.

“Becoming a new parent can be a daunting experience, especially for people without strong support networks,” she said.

“If you work or have previously worked in the horseracing industry then Racing Welfare can help in a variety of ways. From emotional support, befriending and professional counselling available 24/7 at Racing’s support line to support with housing issues, debt advice, maximizing income through state benefits and with financial grants for a range of goods and services.

“The careers advice and training service is also there to help people stay in or return to the racing industry through skills development and funding for further training, while racing’s occupational health service provides support and funded treatment for anyone struggling with health related issues, including return to work

“Moreover, Racing Welfare is there to listen and our teams can also help you to find and access specialist support if necessary.”

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A yummy treat

Cartmel Racecourse is well known for giving winning connections their famous sticky toffee puddings after a horse wins, and during Racing Staff Week all stable staff are receiving a pudding of their own to take home as a special thank you.

Clocking up the miles

A total of 25 employees from across the Jockey Club got together for a non-stop challenge to run around all of their racecourses to celebrate Racing Staff Week. They started at 8am on Monday 1 July at Sandown, and ticked off all the Jockey Club-owned racecourses by 6pm on 2 July when they crossed the line at Epsom. They achieved an impressive 22.1 miles of running in total and 1,052 miles travelling in the coach.

‘Making racing happen’

Throughout the week, Racing Welfare is producing special films to celebrate the passion, skill and dedication of the racing staff whose work behind the scenes makes racing happen.

Getting on the gin

Newbury Racecourse offered all racing staff free entry to their Gin Festival on Thursday 4 July, including access to the private area with live music, plus a food and drink voucher.

Stable staff battle it out

Two features of Racing Staff Week are the stable staff charity races held at Newton Abbot and Doncaster racecourses on Friday 5 July. The riders, who must all work full-time in a racing yard, will go head-to-head in the two annual contests — the Betfair Racing Staff Week Cup at Newton Abbot over 1m4f and the Betfair Clock Tower Cup at Doncaster over seven furlongs.

A feast of fun

The Racehorse Owners Association is sponsoring 30 barbecues at trainers’ yards during the week as a way of bringing trainers, owners and staff together to celebrate the continuous hard work.

A sweet treat

Kempton Park Racecourse had a sweet treat for all stable staff during their raceday on 3 July in the form of free pick ‘n’ mix to keep energy levels high.

Grab a golden ticket

Racing staff have 15 chances this week to win an array of prizes thanks to the British Horseracing Authority and Careers In Racing’s golden ticket initiative, with the “golden tickets” hidden across racecourses and training centres throughout Racing Staff Week.

The tickets can be redeemed for a £100 voucher from a choice of high street retailers, including Amazon, Next and iTunes.

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Assistant trainer Catriona Bissett was awarded the 2019 ‘Employee of the Year’ at the glittering Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards last night (18 February), which honoured the hard-work staff in racing. “Catch”, who was congratulated for her outstanding leadership skills, fought off tough competition from fellow category victors, including John Bottomley, who has been working in the industry for over 60 years.

Catch was presented with a cheque for £15,000 by 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy, while a further £15,000 will be shared among the staff at her boss Nick Alexander’s Fife yard.

The judging panel, which included Brough Scott, Alice Plunkett and Mick Fitzgerald, were impressed with Catch’s leadership, in particular when something goes wrong. They added that the happy and motivated team of staff are testament to her hard work and commitment to developing them.

“We work for a fantastic boss, we all know where we are going and we pull together in the same direction. I think that is really important and I’m really happy to have won this [trophy] for all of them,” said Catch (pictured, below).

Brough Scott added: “The panel’s job was tougher than it has ever been this year with some extraordinary displays of stories of dedication, commitment and hard work amongst this year’s finalists.

“However, we had to reach a final decision and Catch is a hugely deserving winner for all the work she has done in mentoring other members of the team at Kinneston.”

John Bottomley, 75, won the ‘Dedication to racing’ award following his 60-plus years working within racing. The judges decided his patience, kindness and good humour made him an irreplaceable part of the team at Ollie Pears Racing.

“I don’t want to retire,” said John. “It’s hard to explain, but I still get the buzz when I go racing — if you don’t have that buzz anymore, you don’t want to be in the job. I love every minute of it.”

Andrea O’Keeffe, the wife of trainer Jedd O’Keeffe, took home the Rory MacDonald community award, for her massive contribution to the development of racing programmes, while also supporting her husband’s training operation in North Yorkshire — particularly when Jedd was receiving treatment for cancer in 2011.

“For Catch to be named ‘Employee of the Year’ when our sport employs 6,000 people, who work so hard to provide first-class care to our horses, is a fantastic achievement,” said Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority.

“We are grateful to all of the staff, who work day in, day out to ensure that the horses are provided with a quality of life that is virtually unsurpassed by any other domesticated animal.”

The full list of winners:

Employee of the Year: Catriona Bissett (Nick Alexander)

David Nicholson Newcomer Award: Sophy Scott (Mark Johnson)

Leadership Award: Catriona Bissett

Rider/Groom Award: Stewart Gossnell (Richard Hughes)

Stud Staff Award: Andrew Snell (Cheveley Park Stud)

Dedication to Racing Award: John Bottomley (Ollie Pears)

Rory Macdonald Community Award: Andrea O’Keeffe (Jedd O’Keeffe)

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Two friends who have both been through traumatic times have launched a new initiative to help give others a fresh start.

The Bridge of Hope (Project Racing) is a not-for-profit enterprise founded by Tory MP George Freeman and his childhood friend James Fellowes, with the aim of providing “renewed hope to those who have taken a tumble in life through a meaningful new career in horseracing”.

The launch marks the 60th anniversary of George’s father, Arthur Freeman’s, 1958 Grand National win on Mr What. It also tragically marks the 50th anniversary of the collapse of Arthur’s life from a combination of concussion, gambling, alcohol and mental health problems.

The Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust is the first major sponsor of the initiative and the MP thanked the trust for its “wonderful support”.

“It means a huge amount for a lot of reasons — but on a personal level it has a special meaning,” he said.

“Not only is Sir Peter one of the legends of the sport and the voice of my childhood, I have never forgotten the wreath and card that he sent for my late father’s tragically premature funeral. It was a beautiful wreath and said simply on the card in his writing ‘To one of the bravest of them all. Peter O’Sullevan’.

“As a 19-year-old struggling to make sense of the tragedy of it all, it made a huge impression on me. I have never forgotten it.”

George teamed up with James, who also went through a difficult time in life through a combination of “bad people, bad timing and bipolar disorder”, to set up the initiative.

“George and I wanted to turn these two deeply personal and traumatic experiences into a catalyst for good,” said James.

“We are piloting the Bridge of Hope (Project Racing) in the horse racing industry to help provide a second chance in life to many and at the same time address racing’s biggest issue — the chronic shortage in racing staff.

“We have several outstanding charities keen to partner with us, as well as the world’s finest racing schools primed to train our graduates when we fully go live in January.

“From a governance perspective, we are delighted to announce that we will operate as a distinct project under the auspices of a progressive new charity that promotes inclusive recruitment — The Resume Foundation.

“Finally, the last piece of the puzzle is finding the right long-term strategic partners. We are absolutely thrilled with the generous financial commitment from the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust and are interested in developing mutually beneficial partnerships with other organisations with a progressive social responsibility agenda and an inclusive recruitment model.”

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Nigel Payne, administrator and trustee of the trust, added it is a “brilliant concept and one Peter would have loved to support”.

“There is little doubt that a shortage of staff will offer a major threat to our industry over the next few years, so a scheme such as this is absolutely vital for the future,” he said.

“The scheme has been well thought out and if we, as an industry, really get behind it, who knows what could be achieved.”

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A fun insight into life in a race yard has been released ahead of Racing Staff Week.

The Racing Welfare initiative, sponsored by Betfair, runs from today (1 July) until 8 July.

Equine Productions’ snappy “second a day” film features more than 100 racing staff from across the UK as well as cameos from Wocket Woy star Mattie Bachelor and ITV Racing’s Ollie Bell.

All 41 race meetings this week are taking part, with some tracks offering prizes and gifts to stable staff.

These include free ice creams for racing staff at York today, while Cartmel racecourse will be giving workers sticky toffee puddings to take home. Many courses are also offering increased best turned out prizes.

Lingfield and Doncaster will host the two stable staff charity races — the Betfair Three Feathers Cup today and the Betfair Clock Tower Cup on 7 July respectively.

“We are thrilled at the great initiatives being run for racing staff throughout the week, both from racecourses and industry bodies,” said Dawn Goodfellow, Racing Welfare chief executive.

“Racing Staff Week will not only create awareness among racegoers about the vital role of racing staff, but will also show staff, from across studs, stables and racecourses, how much their skill and dedication is appreciated.”

The National Trainers Federation is launching a £4,000 award for racing grooms in memory of the late racehorse trainer Toby Balding.

The annual award will go to a member of stable staff to further their career and train for a higher-level qualification or to undertake personal development training.

Meanwhile the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) is putting money towards barbecues or social events at 30 racing yards.

“The great care and effort given by staff looking after racehorses is very much appreciated by their owners,” said ROA chief executive Charlie Liverton.

“The ROA is delighted the barbecue initiative has proved so popular as it recognises these vital staff and gives owners an opportunity to socialise with them in a relaxed environment.

Racing Welfare has also organised events for staff in Newmarket, Middleham, Malton and Lambourn, to which owners are also invited.

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‘The one bright side is that I should

The British Horseracing Authority and Careers in Racing will be hiding 13 “golden tickets” around racecourses and training centres.

All bar one of these contain £100 high street vouchers, with the 13th containing an invitation for two to the 2018 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards.

The National Association of Stable Staff will be holding daily draws for Red Letter experience vouchers and a grand prize at the end of the week.

“This [week] is a great opportunity for everybody associated with racing to show their appreciation for the work the staff do,” said George McGrath, NASS chief executive.

“Racing is a labour of love requiring the staff to work early mornings and late evenings.

“Racing Staff Week gives the owners and trainers a chance to say thank you to the staff and raises the public’s awareness of the skilled work we do.”

Visit www.racingstaffweek.com for more details of events and prizes.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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Equestrian employees aged 25 and over on the minimum wage will be entitled to a pay rise from today (1 April).

The minimum wage for all over 25s (except those in the first year of an apprenticeship) is rising from £6.70 to £7.20 an hour — an increase of 50p.

Lucy Katan, of the British Grooms Association (BGA), stressed this new “national living wage” is a legal requirement, and employers need to be prepared.

“That is going to have an impact on the employer’s business costings,” she told H&H.

“The only option for some businesses will be to increase the amount they charge for [their services]”.

Ms Katan also voiced her concern that the industry may become an “unfair employer”, preferring younger staff.

“Having said that, grooms are highly skilled individuals who work exceptionally hard and should be paid fairly,” she said.

“They should be rewarded with their salary for their dedication and skill.”

Eventer Kelly McCarthy-Maine currently employs one full-time and one part-time member of staff.

“It is a tough job — the hours are long and it takes commitment,” she said.

“But it is a professional role, so that should be recognised and employees should be rewarded.”

She added you “cannot put a price” on having the right person, but expects commitment to the job.

Simon Hall, who pays a freelance groom at his private yard, said he is “all for it” and that employees deserve to be rewarded for their work.

“You pay for what you get,” he said.

Mr Hall added that the way employees will be rewarded, in terms of money and other benefits, needs to be set out in a written contract, not verbally.

Meanwhile, racing has its own scales of pay for stable staff in line with government requirements.

The rise means the bottom-line of pay for racing staff on levels one to three (trainees, improvers and riders, grooms or yard staff) will be £288 for a basic 40-hour week compared to the current £268.

Staff aged 25 and over working on a consolidated rota — which is already over the minimum wage — will also receive a pay rise.

It also affects overtime payments for time worked away from the yard, for example when staff are at race meetings.

George McGrath, of the National Association of Stable Staff (NASS), said the living wage is a “good thing”, but there are “dark clouds” around the issue.

“I feel it is somewhat disappointing that racing has to have the government tell it that it is not paying its members enough,” he said.

“I would have hoped racing could have seen the work the lads do is worth more than the national minimum wage.”

He added he does also acknowledge the majority of the industry pays above the minimum and would advocate that a career in racing is a good way of life.

A spokesman from the British Horseracing Authority added: “While we are aware that staff wages in racing are, generally, higher than in other equine industries we would welcome anything that helps provide more funding to our grassroots.”

He said the BHA is working with the NASS to provide better career prospects and progression for those employed in the sport.

Ref: H&H 31 March, 2016

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The winners of Haddon Training British Grooms Awards collected their prizes at the British Breeders Awards Dinner in London last week (16 January).

The standard of nominations in the four categories “was extremely high” said Chris Hewlett, managing director of Haddon Training, who judged the awards with Jane Holderness-Roddam and Jenny Ellis.

Adele Clarke who was nominated by her employers Vin and Liz Jones of Preci-Spark event horses was presented with the trophy for the British Grooms Award.

She also received a £350 cash prize and a two-night dinner, B&B stay at a country hotel.

The runner up was Daniel Tarpey who works for showjumper Laura Mantel.

The highly commended certificate in this category was awarded to Oscar Mayhew-Sanders, who was nominated by Tim Stockdale.

The Haddon Training Team GBR award was won by Alan Davies, who was nominated by Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin and World Class performance manager, Richard Waygood.

Davies took home a £250 cash prize, engraved trophy and weekend city break at the Grange City Hotel in London, where the awards took place.

“It’s so important that sponsors such as Haddon Training are doing this for the grooms. We have a really important job and we need to make sure there are new grooms coming through that want to dedicate themselves to working with horses,” said Davies.

The runners-up certificate was awarded to Zanie King who groomed for Laura Collett at the FEI European Eventing Championships.

The yard manager award was presented to Kate Hort who was nominated by Alex Hua Tian and Sarah Higgins of Pinfold Stables. She received a cash prize of £250 and an engraved trophy.

Rosie Harbour, who was nominated by her employer Witham Villa Equestrian Centre, won the apprentice award. The prize includes a week’s placement in a top equestrian/racing yard.

Joint highly commended certificates were awarded to Sophie McDonald, nominated by Platinum Stud and Steven Skillington, nominated by Norman Court Stud.

The judges said all the winners “have made an outstanding contribution in their careers or at the start of their career in the equestrian industry.”

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Working with horses will always require long hours in sometimes challenging weather conditions, and over the past few years employers have told H&H they are finding it tough to find staff.

It is a problem that is growing industry-wide, but has come under the spotlight recently, particulary in racing (Horse & Hound, 5 November). Figures show there is a shortfall of about 400 staff in the racing industry, with 100 of those being skilled work riders.

In order to tackle this, British Racing has launched a number of new initiatives to make the prospect of being a member of stable staff more attractive, investing £1m to address the issue.

Tackling a shortage in skilled riders

Part of the plan to combat the lack of experienced riders is to bring in equestrians from other disciplines.

In his comment in the National Hunt special (H&H, 5 November) trainer Paul Nicholls said the main difficulty he encountered was finding skilled work riders.

“It’s tough. Good riders are not always forthcoming,” he said.

In a campaign that started last month, the The British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) careers team are now targeting equine colleges to attract riders outside of racing, and have produced a video campaign with trainer and former showjumper Rebecca Curtis on the benefits of swapping disciplines.

The BHA has worked with 13 colleges so far and said the reaction has been favourable.

“We want to show people they can move between sectors,” said the BHA careers team’s Zoe Elliott.

“People may have grown up with horses but not thought about racing. We need to break down the idea that the sports are an exclusive club and encourage the idea that that one discipline can feed into another; they could return to their original discipline later having learnt new skills.”

The lack of skilled riders is a country-wide problem, but is concentrated in some areas, especially Newmarket.

“I think it’s partly because there’s more competition, more trainers, more horses. But there also seem to be fewer people that want to do it — it’s a hard way to make a living,” said Gloucestershire trainer Fergal O’Brien.

Trainer David Pipe told H&H that it was “as hard as it’s ever been” to find staff.

“It’s a difficult job and all year round — maybe they’re put off by that,” he added.

In a further bid to find competent riders to fill the shortfall, a three-month social media trial was launched last month, targeting riders in Europe.

“It is all done in English, so they have to have a good standard of the language,” said Carole Goldsmith, director of people and development at the BHA.

“We are testing this new digital route and with luck we will find riders with good abilities and match them with trainers.”

Employer-led training opportunity

For those who feel they’ve missed their time for school-based training, a pilot employer-led training programme has also been set up to enable new recruits aged 19 years and over to enter the racing industry by learning on the job.

The trainer receives funding to take on the unskilled workers, who will learn “on the ground” at the trainers’ yards.

The National Trainers Federation’s Rupert Arnold told H&H the reaction from trainers at regional meetings late last year was positive.

“It’s still early days, but it has been well received and is an entry point for people who might have a lot of experience with horses, but not in racing,” he added.

Averting a crisis

The BHA wants 1,000 more horses in training by 2020, which means more staff in an already depleted pool, which is part of the reason the organisation is taking strong action now.

“We are not at crisis levels yet, but could be if we didn’t act,” said the BHA’s Robin Mounsey.

For more information visit: www.careersinracing.com

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While most of Britain will be opening their stockings and cracking into oversized tins of chocolates, as many as 6,000 stable staff in Britain will give up their Christmas day mornings to look after Britain’s racehorses.

With Boxing Day being the busiest day in the sport’s calendar – eight tracks across the country will be racing – staff will be treating Christmas day like a normal working day in order to ensure all their preparations are complete.

Whilst the idea of giving up Christmas to go to work could not sound less appealing to many of the general public, a love of horses and the desire to care for them means that people like Lisa Kozak, an integral part of Oliver Sherwood‘s yard, is happy to give up her Christmas day.

“Horses don’t do Christmas. They have to be fed and they have to be exercised, you can’t just shut the door and ‘we’ll see you in a week’,” she says. “It’s a life, not a job. Everybody is a big family and that’s what makes racing so nice. We don’t do it for recognition, we do it because we love the horses.”

Oliver adds: “Christmas time is no different to if it’s the middle of summer and the staff will arrive before Santa has been. Dedication is what I value the most. You have to be dedicated to work with horses or any other animal.”

Continued below…

Feeling festive? Here are the ‘12 Days of Horse-mas’

The typical stable staff Christmas Day routine

5:30am – Turn off alarm and wake up.

6:30am – Arrive at the yard and clean out the horses’ stable. Ready the horses for exercise.

7:30am – Ride out first group of horses.

8:30am – Cup of tea and a slice of toast.

9:00am – Prepare second group of horses and ride out.

10:15am – Wash down horses.

10:30am – Groom horses; brush coats and plait manes.

11:15am – Prepare equipment for next day’s racing.

12:00pm – First feed for horses who have exercised.

12:30pm – Head home before potentially returning in the evening for second round of feeding.

Don’t miss our feature in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (24 December 2015), where we meet people from across the equestrisn industry for whom it’s business as usual on Christmas day

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A dozen stable staff will get the chance to become jockeys for a day in the first running of the Clock Tower Cup at Doncaster later this month (26 June).

The race over seven furlongs celebrates the hard work that stable staff put in to prepare horses for the races.

The twelve riders that have just been announced are:

•  Jordan Mack for trainer Michael Dods
• Kevin Locking for trainer Scott Dixon
• Kelly Adams for trainer John Gallagher
• Stephanie Blackett for trainer Eve Johnson Houghton
• Hollie Smith for trainer Rae Guest
• Julie Heneghan for trainer John Balding
• Claire Dooyea for trainer David Brown
• Jack Jordan for trainer Tony Coyle
• Nancy Ashcroft for trainer Kevin Ryan
• Jemmer Fowler for trainer Dean Ivory
• Kirsty Parker for trainer David O’Meara

The first reserve rider is Amanda Soar for trainer Richard Whitaker.

All entrants will be raising money for Racing Welfare before taking part in the race.

Trainer Scott Dixon, who is represented by Kevin Locking in the race, said he is looking forward to being able to reward his loyal staff.

“Kevin is an extremely dedicated and hardworking member of the team,” said Mr Dixon. “It would be great for all the staff to see him rewarded by winning and enjoying his day in the spotlight.”

Julie Heneghan, 31, who will be riding for the Philip Kirby yard said she was “over the moon” to find out she had a place in the race.

“When taking your horses racing all you really want is that they come home safe, a good run or a place is great, but when they cross that line in front and you know all your hard work has actually paid off, it is an amazing feeling — one you can’t really describe,” she said.

“However, there’s always been one thing missing for me — that feeling of actually being on that horse crossing that line. I guess I never thought that I was brave enough or good enough to try but I wish that I had.

“This is my time to do what I’ve always wanted to do and I will cherish every second of it.”

All the entrants will receive embroidered jackets provided by Steve Jakes and commemorative medals.

The winning rider will be presented with the Clock Tower Cup and a handmade leather race exercise saddle donated by Tony Woodley of Customer Leather Saddles.

Demand for places in the race, sponsored by Socialites Zero, was high and came from across the country; from Darlington in the north-east, Moreton in The Marsh in the south-west, Blewbury in the south to Newmarket in the east and local yards in the Malton area.

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Fifteen hardworking stud and stable staff have been selected as finalists in the 2015 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

The 15 were chosen from a record number of nominations from across the racing and thoroughbred breeding industry.

The dozen judges whittled down the 200 nominations to three finalists in each category.

The £120,000 prize-money is shared between the finalists, with their winnings being matched and shared among their yard by the sponsors Godolphin.

In the leadership award the three candidates are: Joanne Fowles (nominated by Roger Varian), Kevin Mooney (Charlie Hills) and Richard “Johnson” White (Philip Hobbs).

The staff up for the dedication to racing award are: Clifford Marsden (Luca Cumani), Robynne Watton (Mark Johnston) and Lesley White (Mick Channon).

For the stable staff award the three contenders are: Dale Clements (Cheveley Park), Jessica Fortt (Dunraven Stud) and Ron Lott (Shadwell Stud).

In the rider/groom award category the three finalists are: Simon Archer (Sir Mark Prescott), Steve Nicholson (Ed Dunlop) and Martyn Peake (Lady Cecil).

The fifth award, the David Nicholson Newcomer is between Tegan Clark (Olly Stevens), Charlotte Clayton (Rae Guest) and Kevin Eggleton (Seamus Mullins).

“It is such a difficult job to pick just three finalists out of so many deserving nominations,” said Brough Scott, chairman of the judging panel and H&H racing columnist.

“But the finalists this year have received 18 previous nominations, which reflects the highly competitive nature of the awards as well as the fact that perseverance pays off.”

The winner in each category will be decided at the final stage of the judging on 23 February.

The winner of the employee of the year award will then be chosen from the winners of the leadership, rider/room, stud staff and dedication to racing categories.

The winner of the administration award has already been selected by the judges and will be announced with all other winners at the awards ceremony on the evening of 23 February at the Jumeriah Carlton Tower hotel in London.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Graduates of the British Racing School can have the chance to spend four months with a trainer in South Africa or Australia.

Applications are now open for the Fred Packard Scholarship for graduates of the Newmarket school.

Trainers in the UK are urged to nominate eligible staff members.

The scholarship winner will spend up to four months with one of the country’s leading trainers to gain valuable experience of life in a racing yard, with travel, salary and an expenses allowance provided under the terms of the prize.

Recent winners of the Fred Packard Scholarship include Laura Morgan, an employee of Chris Bealby, and Catrin Eynon, from Colin Tizzard’s yard. Both spent time in Australia with Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody.

Visit: www.brs.org.uk

This news story was first published in H&H magazine on 18 September 2014

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Owners, trainers and staff in horseracing can now put forward deserving stable staff for this year’s Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards.

Nominations are now open for the awards, which recognise the hard work of those behind the scenes in racing, The ninth annual event will be hosted by Clare Balding on Monday 4 March in London.

“Racing relies on the people who are closest to the horses, who look after them, ride them, read their moods and know when they are at their best or — just as importantly — when they’re not,” said Clare. “These awards are the one opportunity racing has of recognising and applauding the stud and stable staff and I’m proud to support them.”

There are six categories — high achiever award, rider/groom award, stud staff award, dedication to racing award, David Nicholson Newcomer award and new for thisyear the administration staff award.

And there is prize money totalling £120,000 across the categories.

And an “employee of the year” selected from the category winners will receive £15,000.

Nominations are open until Friday 11 January 2013.

Nomination forms are also available for download at www.britishhorseracing.com/stablestaff and via www.racingpost.com. Alternatively, email awards@britishhorseracing.com or simply text AWARDS to 07584 171551 and a form will be sent out.

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Racing Welfare is piloting a scheme to recruit voluntary welfare representatives within racing yards, in an effort to give more support to stable and stud staff.

Former jockeys Phil Kinsella and Sean McGuinness are at the forefront of the new initiative.

The pair – who are on a British Horseracing Authority (BHA) graduate scheme work placement with the charity – are looking for five volunteers from yards in Newmarket to trial the scheme.

If successful, Racing Welfare hopes to carry it out nationwide.

“The full-time Racing Welfare officers in Newmarket are already stretched to breaking point with the number of staff seeking their help,” said Sean.

“And so it essential that the charity undertakes new measures to support as many people as possible.”

The welfare representatives will be existing members of staff who will act as the charity’s ambassadors.

Racing Welfare hopes that a member of staff with a problem is more likely to go to a peer rather than a boss. It is looking for team members who are approachable and have a high ethic to confidentiality.

Phil added: “If the volunteers can help prevent welfare problems that are affecting their colleagues turning into a crisis, this surely must be a good thing for employers, employees and therefore racing as a whole.”

Racing Welfare is the Jockey Club’s own charity and is the sole provider of welfare support to UK racing stable and stud staff .

For more information visit www.racingwelfare.co.uk

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Getting ahead in the equestrian industry means proving that you can offer the complete package.

Employers need people who can fit into a team but show the initiative to work alone, and who can back up equestrian knowledge with practical experience.

The right training underpins these skills and it is important to research the options before you invest your time and money.

Course: Horse management (equitation) BTEC level 3 extended diploma

• Content: students can expect to gain a broad grounding in the principal functions of the yard in this hands-on diploma course. Subjects covered include stable and yard management, anatomy and physiology, and horse rehabilitation and health – plus riding on the flat and over fences
• Venue: Hartpury College, Glos
• Duration: 2 years full-time
• Cost: £2,040 per year – but free for under-19s
• Entrance requirements: minimum of five GCSEs at grade C-plus, including English language and maths. Applicants must ride to at least BHS Stage 1 standard
• Applications: apply from October for courses starting the following September
• Contacts: tel: 01452 702345, email: enquire@hartpury.ac.uk, www.hartpury.ac.uk

Course: FdA equine management

• Content: a vocational foundation degree designed to prepare students for management roles in the equestrian industry. Study includes coaching horse and rider, practical equine nutrition and training the performance horse. It incorporates special event and facility management modules, plus the opportunity to implement a work project in year two
• Venue: Myerscough College, Lancs
• Duration: 2 years full-time
• Cost: £7,500 per year
• Entrance requirements: one or more A level passes with a minimum of 80 points, or relevant BTEC/NVQ qualifications
• Applications: from September, through UCAS, to start the following September
• Contacts: tel: 01995 642222, email: enquiries@myerscough.ac.uk, www.myerscough.ac.uk

To read the full feature on equestrian training courses see the current issue of H&H (26 July 2012)

Are you looking for a job in the equestrian industry? View our online database of job advertisements

A new “best turned out” series for National Hunt horses has been launched by Racing Welfare.

With a prize fund of £1,600 there’s more incentive than ever for grooms to have their runners looking super smart.

The series is sponsored by racing syndicate company EPDS Racing and kicks off at Huntingdon on Friday (27 January).

Each month a racecourse will host an “EPDS-Racing Welfare BTO series” qualifying race.

The groom who leads up the best turned-out horse in that race will receive £50 in cash plus a branded gilet.

Their yard then goes onto a league table, with the final being held at the Racing Welfare Charity raceday at Wincanton on 6 December.

The yard with the largest number points will receive a perpetual trophy and £1,000 cash prize, to be shared between the staff.

“Winning a ‘Best Turned Out’ is always popular with trainers, staff and owners alike,” said Richard Negus from Racing Welfare.

“With prizes of £1,000 for the winning yard and £600 for individual grooms up for grabs there is fair incentive to make sure those plaits are straight.”

The 12 qualifying races for the series

27 January – Huntingdon

11 February – Warwick

18 March – Carlisle

5 April – Ludlow

27 May – Fakenham

2 June – Stratford

31 July – Worcester

31 August – Bangor-on-Dee

29 September – Market Rasen

6 October – Fontwell

1 November – Wetherby

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David Bradley, flat racing trainer Jeremy Noseda’s head lad, was named “Employee of the year” at the annual Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards Ceremony.

A panel of judges selected Mr Bradley following an interview day, when they met each of the category winners.

Frankie Dettori presented Mr Bradley, 57, with a trophy and a cheque for £25,000 — £10,000 of which will be shared among his fellow staff.

He also won the category of “high achiever”.

Jeremy Noseda said: “David is, by a considerable margin, the best member of staff I’ve had the fortune of working with.”

Brough Scott, chairman of the judging panel, said: “We have been blown away by the quality of the winners and this made the decision of choosing the employee of the year very hard.

“However David Bradley brings a unique mixture of international experience, local achievement and future planning, which exemplifies exactly what these awards are about.”

The National Association of Stable Staff (NASS) Special Merit award, and its £5,000 prize, went to Willie Musson’s head lad, George McGrath, who is also NASS president.

He was praised not only for his role within the yard, but for working “tirelessly to make racing a more attractive career, understanding the need for change, and the importance of encouraging the public through the gates.”

Albert “Corky” Brown, who has been head lad at Nicky Henderson’s yard for 33 years, won the award for “dedication to racing”.

The awards, sponsored by Godolphin and run by the British Horseracing Authority, are the richest of their kind in the world — with £120,000 in prize-money.

Each category winner received £5,000 for themselves, and the same amount for their yard or stud.

The two runners-up in each category won £2,000 for themselves, and the same for their yard or stud.

Other award winners — David Nicholson Newcomer Award: Ben Howe (Ruth Carr); Rider/Groom Award: Geoffrey Thompson (Michael Stoute); Stud Staff Award: Graham Paxton (Darley Stud).

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Nominations are now open for The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2011.

The awards take place on Monday 28 February 2011 at London’s Jumeirah Carlton Hotel.

The Stud and Stable Staff Awards were established in 2005 to recognise the achievements of racing’s most dedicated and inspiring staff and boast prize money of £120,000.

Everyone within the industry can nominate those they feel deserve recognition.

Nominations can be submitted from today (Monday 15 November) and will close on Tuesday 4 January.

The six award categories are:

David Nicholson newcomer award: for those who have displayed a desire to improve, have progressed their skills and knowledge and become an integral part of the team while employed in the industry for less than three years.

High achiever award: for those managing two or more staff who have displayed leadership qualities amongst their colleagues and peers, a desire to succeed in the industry and strong mentoring skills that have been to the benefit of those around them.

Rider/groom award: for those who have shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability in and out of the saddle.

Stud staff award: for those who have shown expertise, dedication and reliability, excellent horsemanship, adaptability and teamwork while employed within a stud.

National Association of Stable Staff (NASS) special merit award: for a NASS member chosen by a NASS member on the basis that they deserve special recognition for their work within the industry and have acted in a manner to be regarded as a role model for stable staff.

Dedication to racing award: for a long-serving member of staff who is an integral part of the team, offers a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, and displays dedication and love for the work that they do.

Each category winner will receive £5,000 and the two runners-up will also each receive £2,000. The winner’s yard will also win the same amount.

In the NASS category £5,000 goes to just the winner, in special recognition of their solo efforts.

All category winners except the newcomer and NASS award winners then go forward to the employee of the year award, which has prize money of £25,000.

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nic Coward said: “We would like to thank Godolphin for continuing their generous sponsorship. A great deal of time and effort has been put into improving both the nomination and judging process, now it is up to everyone in the sport to ensure that there are a record number of entries in 2011.”

For more information visit: www.britishhorseracing.com/stablestaff or email: awards@britishhorseracing.com.

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Stud and stable staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes in racing were honoured in the Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards, on Monday 1 March.

The awards, now in their sixth year, attracted 168 nominations, which were judged by a panel of six including British Horseracing Authority (BHA) director Morag Gray and former jockey John Reid.

Stuart Messenger, head lad with flat trainer Sir Michael Stoute, was named as employee of the year and awarded the Godolphin Trophy and a cheque for £25,000.

Stuart, described by Sir Michael as ‘irreplaceable’, started working for the trainer when he was still at school, and has worked in the racing industry for more than 32 years.

“I was delighted to have been nominated in the first place, and having seen the calibre of other nominees, never once thought that I could be in with a chance of winning employee of the year,” said Stuart.

Organised by the BHA and the Racing Post, the awards present £120,000 prize money — more than any similar awards in global racing.

Divided into six categories, each individual category winner, and their respective stud or stables, was presented with £5,000 each.

The two runners up in each category, and their workplace, also collected £2,000 each.

“These awards continue to grow in prestige year on year, and are a highly important event in the racing calendar,” said Nic Coward, BHA chief executive.

“They provide us with a moment to celebrate all the hard working, dedicated and talented people who play a fundamental role in making the sport all that it is today.”

The awards in full

David Nicholson Newcomer Award

Winner: James Gray, second head lad at Whitsbury Farm & Stud

Runners Up: Harry Fry, pupil assistant trainer with Paul Nicholls and Sam Davis, Stable Lad with Rae Guest

High Acheiver Award

Winner: Stuart Messenger, head lad with Sir Michael Stoute

Runners Up: Catherine Morse, stud groom at Overbury Stud and Timothy Potts, head lad with Luca Cumani

Stud Staff Award

Winner: Roy Gedge, stud groom/manager at Hascombe & Valient Stud

Runners Up: David Cartledge, senior stallion man at The Royal Studs and Hazel Woods, yearling foreman at Kirtlington Stud

Rider/Groom Award

Winner: Elizabeth George, head girl with Ed McMahon

Runners Up: Shane Featherstonhaugh, rider/groom with Henry Cecil and Brian Groves, rider/groom with Sir Michael Stoute

Nass Special Merit Award

Winner: Ken Bedford, stable lad for John Dunlop

Runner Up: Jeremiah Michael Walsh, employed by Paul Webber

Dedication To Racing Award

Winner: Jimmy Scott, travelling head lad with Sir Michael Stoute

Runners Up: Clifford Baker, head lad with Paul Nicholls and Larry Wargen, head yard/feed man with Luca Cumani

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Racing owners, trainers and colleagues can now put forward deserving stable staff for this year’s Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff awards, as nominations opened last week.

For the first time, nominations this year can be made by anyone in the racing world – but names must be in by Friday 5 February.

The prize money, which has been nearly tripled this year, now stands at £120,000, up from £45,000 in 2009.

British Horseracing Authority director of communications Jon Ryan said: “Godolphin have always been extremely generous with their sponsorship and to have increased the prize-money to £120,000 shows just how highly they regard the awards.

“A great deal of time and effort has been put into improving both the nomination and judging process and a number of industry figureheads have been consulted.

“Now it is up to everyone in the sport to ensure the record prize-money is matched by a record number of entries in 2010.”

There are six categories and each winner will take home £5,000 (plus £5,000 for their yard) and runners up £2,000 (and £2,000 for their yard.)

Category winners (excluding the winner of the newcomer award) will then go forward for the overall Stud and Stable Staff employee of the year award for the chance of winning £25,000 to be split between the winner and their yard.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.britishhorseracing.com/stablestaff

Forms will also be available via email and post, as well as by text or phone request, making the process as quick and easy as possible.

The six categories are:

· David Nicholson Newcomer Award: for those who have displayed a desire to improve, have progressed their skills and knowledge and become an integral part of the team while employed in the industry for less than 5 years

· High Achiever Award: for those managing two or more staff who have displayed leadership qualities amongst their colleagues and peers, a desire to succeed in the industry and strong mentoring skills that have been to the benefit of those around them

· Rider/Groom Award: for those who have shown talent for horsemanship, consistency and reliability in and out of the saddle

· Stud Staff Award: for those who have shown expertise, dedication and reliability, excellent horsemanship, adaptability and teamwork while employed within a stud

· Dedication to Racing Award: for a long-serving member of staff who is an integral part of the team, offers a wealth of industry experience and knowledge and a love and dedication of their job

· National Association of Stable Staff (NASS) Special Merit Award: for someone who deserves special recognition for their work in the industry and who has to ‘go beyond’ on a day-to-day basis, achieving triumph in the face of adversity. This award is open to any NASS full member and nominations must also come from another NASS full member.

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Winners of the Stud and Stable Staff Awards next year will take home boosted winnings after the prize fund has nearly tripled.

A total of £120,000 will be awarded at the 2010 awards ceremony, well up from last year’s £45,000 fund.

The awards, which are sponsored by Goldophin, will take place on Monday 1 March.

Nominations for the six categories can be made between 4 January and 5 February 2010.

And this year anyone in racing can make a nomination. In the past nominations were only open to trainers, but now owners, trainers and colleagues may also put forward stud and stable staff for the awards, which organisers hope will boost nominations.

“Godolphin have always been extremely generous with their sponsorship and to have increased the prize-money to £120,000 shows just how highly they think of the awards,” said British Horseracing Authority director of communications Jon Ryan.

“A great deal of time and effort has been put into improving both the nomination and judging process and a number of industry figureheads have been consulted. Now it is up to everyone in the sport to ensure the record prize-money is matched with a record number of entries in 2010.”

The categories include:

David Nicholson newcomer — for those with less than 5 years within industry

Senior staff/high achiever — for those who have strived to progress their career within the industry

Rider/groom

Stud staff

Dedication to racing — more than 10 years in the industry

National Association of Stable Staff (NASS) special merit — nominated by NASS members, for a NASS member

Each winner will receive £5,000 for themselves and £5,000 for their yard. Runners up will win £2,000 and £2,000 for their yard, the exception being the NASS winner, who will receive prize-money for themselves but not for their yard as it is an award based on individual achievement.

All winners except for the newcomer award will then then go forward for the overall Stud and Stable Staff employee of the year award — winning a total of £25,000 to be split between winner and yard.

Nomination forms and entry criteria will be available for download from www.britishhorseracing.com/stablestaff

Forms will also be available via email, text or phone with the aim of making the nomination process as simple and effective as possible.

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THE lowest paid stable staff at racing yards will receive a pay increase of five per cent from 1 November.

The National Joint Council of Stable Staff — comprising the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and the National Association for Stable Staff (NASS) — recently concluded negotiations that will benefit all stable staff, especially those on the lowest wages.

In addition to raising minimum wages an appropriate increase for those on higher rates has been agreed.

Jim Cornelius, chief executive of NASS, said: “This is a welcome settlement. Trainers have recognised the case we put forward and have acknowledged some of our other claims, including an increase in holidays.”

An extra two days’ annual holiday has been agreed for members of staff who have been with the same employer for more than a year, and the hourly rate for time spent away at the racecourse has been increased by 50p to £6.50.

A joint project between the NTF and NASS will also re-examine weekly working patterns, with many stable staff working long, anti-social hours.

For more on this, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (16 October 2008)

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The election of an experienced trade union official as the chief executive of the Stable Lads’ Association (SLA) has been welcomed by the racing industry.

Jim Cornelius, 57, who for more than 30 years was an official with the National Union for Public Employees, beat two candidates who have worked in racing for years — George McGrath and Don Stacey — and, as such, his election marks a break from the past for the SLA.

In December, Bill Adams, who had led the organisation for 20 years, retired with immediate effect after the SLA was criticised by the Stable and Stud Staff Steering Group (SSSSG) for its failure to modernise and effectively represent its members.

Baroness Ann Mallalieu, who chairs the SSSSG, told H&H she was delighted SLA members had supported Mr Cornelius.

“It’s a change from the past and it shows the SLA is very forward looking,” she said. “Coming from a non-racing background, Jim will need a lot of help, but I think he’ll be able to meet the challenge.”

Mr Cornelius said there was a lot of work to be done to modernise the SLA, adding: “I look forward to working with the national committee to turn the organisation around.”

The defeated candidates pledged their support for Mr Cornelius and said they would work alongside him.

Turnout for the election was low, with only 187 SLA members — from a membership of about 1,500 — voting. But Baroness Mallalieu said this was not due to voter apathy.

“Turnout has always been something of a problem,” she admitted, “but I don’t think it’s representative of a lack of interest. The people who work within racing are incredibly busy and usually more interested in the wellbeing of their horses rather than the conditions that affect themselves and their working practices. That just shows how dedicated they are.”

The post of chief executive pays around £40,000 and Mr Cornelius will take up his position full-time on

3 September, although Baroness Mallalieu said he was welcome at all SSSSG meetings until then.

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Kauto Star on track for Gold Cup glory

Kauto Star remains the red-hot favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival (13-16 March), ahead of War of Attrition and Exotic Dancer. A question mark hangs over Kauto Star’s occasional jumping mistakes in previous races, but his trainer Paul Nicholls has dismissed these concerns, saying that Kauto Star will have a number of schooling sessions in the run up to the race on 16 March.

Robert Winston will not appeal against ban

Robert Winston has said he has no plans to appeal against the Horseracing Regulatory Authority’s one-year suspension of his flat jockey’s licence. He is allowed to continue working in racing while the ban is in place, but is not allowed to ride in races. The Turf Club, which regulates racing in Ireland, has said that Winston will not be allowed to ride in races under its rules during his ban.

Award for Ouija Board’s work rider

Chris Hinson, the regular work rider of the great racing mare Ouija Board, was named 2007 Stable Employee of the Year at the third annual Stud and Stable Staff Awards in London earlier this week. Hinson won £10,000, while a further £10,000 is to be shared among his colleagues at Ed Dunlop’s Gainsborough Stables. Other winners included:

• David Nicholson Newcomer – Charlotte Ramage – Rider/Groom with David Barron
• Stud Staff – Stephen Lomas – Stallion Man at Sandley Stud.
• Rider/Groom – Joseph Crayton – Rider/Groom with Paul Cole.
• Senior Staff – Chris Hinson – Head Lad with Ed Dunlop.
• Special Merit/Hero – Sira Hornsby – Rider/Groom with Jeremy Noseda

Barbaro’s $3m legacy

The owners of Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, who lost his battle against injury earlier this month, have donated $3m (£1.53m) to the study of equine diseases. Roy and Gretchen Jackson made the donation to the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school, where Barbaro was treated for eight months after shattering his leg in a race.

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Last year’s 1,000 Guineas heroine Attraction, one of the most popular horses in training, has run her last race. The four-year-old filly picked up an injury during training and will now return to her owner, the Duke of Roxburghe’s estate of Floors Castle in the Scottish Borders.

Attraction made racing history when she became the first filly to win both the English and Irish Guineas last year. She won 10 of her 15 starts, including five Group 1 races, and just under £900,000 prize money during her short career.

All eyes on the l’Arc

Kieren Fallon has admitted that he might be on the wrong horse for Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, after saying that the Aidan O’Brian-trained St Leger winner Scorpion would prefer the current good ground at Longchamp over his own mount, Hurricane Run.

Hurricane Run has winning form on heavy ground and won the Prix Neil last time on good to soft, so Fallon is praying for rain. But despite a night of light drizzle the official going at Longchamp remains good.

Jockey Club strengthens remounting rules

The Jockey Club has opted against banning jockeys from remounting fallers in jump races, but has agreed to strengthen the existing rules. The decision has angered the RSPCA who believes that the Club has ignored the welfare of horses.

David Muir of the RSPCA said: “Our view is that when a horse falls it should not take any further part in that race and this should be mandatory under the rules of racing to ensure consistency in racehorse welfare”

But Jockey Club officials claim that the welfare of horses remains a priority.

“The regulatory board felt that a ban on remounting would be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut and were confident that the welfare of the horse would remain at the forefront of owners’, trainers’ and jockeys’ minds,” said Malcolm Wallace of the Jockey Club.

Golden Snake to stand in Ireland

Group 1 race-winner Golden Snake will stand at Greentree Stud in Ireland when he returns from Australia. The National Stud-owned stallion enjoyed a glittering racing career, winning six races including four Group 1s in Europe earning £348,486. John Dunlop describes the sire as “a top class Group 1 racehorse, with a brilliant pedigree, who consistently ran with great success at the highest level”.

A good week for Gyles Parkin

Gyles Parkin is no longer under suspicion for race-fixing. Parkin was the sixth jockey arrested as part of the City of London police investigation into alleged race-fixing and spent most of his 32nd Birthday in March in police custody.

The news came as Parkin’s fellow jockeys, Kieren Fallon, Fergal Lynch, Darren Williams, Paul Bradley and Robert Winston, along with trainers Karl Burke and Alan Berry and former owner Miles Rodgers, are preparing to answer their bail in a process due to get under way on Monday and expected to last through most of October.

A bad week for stable lads

The Jockey Club has decided against insisting that stable staff must wear body protectors when riding at work. The Stable Lads’ Association (SLA) is extremely disappointed by the decision, as they were in favour of the protection being made mandatory. The Jockey Club claims that current Health and Safety legislation provides sufficient regulation with each training establishment left to make its own judgement about whether body protectors are required.

And finally…

The Brooke’s horse mascot, Abbla, drove home some very important points when she took part in the 2005 Mascot Grand National at Huntingdon Racecourse last weekend. Abbla, meaning ‘Beautiful One’ in Arabic, represents a horse toiling in a brick kiln in a developing country. With 100 foam bricks piled high on her back, she trailed in last, some 10min behind the winner in the six mini-hurdle race.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now