Bumper entry for Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards

More than 200 entries have been submitted for the 2015 Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards — a bumper number.

Nominations for the awards, which take place on Monday 23 February in London, flooded in from yards and studs of all sizes around the country.

H&H racing columnist, and chairman of the judging panel, Brough Scott said: “It’s fantastic news that we have received such a high number of nominations. The awards are celebrating their 11th year and the event is now firmly established in the calendar.

“We thank all the trainers, managers, owners and colleagues who took the time to nominate a member of staff they believe deserves the recognition for the hard work they put in every day of the year.”

All the 200-plus nominations have been verified and the 12-strong judging panel is now assessing the nominations. The panel has increased from six to 12 this year to provide a greater range of backgrounds, experience and locations.

The awards, run by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), have six categories: leadership, rider/groom, stud staff, dedication to racing, David Nicholson newcomer and administration staff award.

A shortlist of 10 names in each category will be announced in the New Year. Then based on the written applications and phone interviews with the nominees, the 10 shortlisted candidates will be narrowed down to three finalists per category.

These will then be invited to meet with the judges in London on Monday 23 February when the winners to be decided.

There is a total of £120,000 in prize money divided between the winners and runners-up in each category and their yards.

The employee of the year will be selected from the winners of the leadership award; dedication to racing award; stud staff award; and rider/groom and will receive £15,000 in prize money, with the same amount awarded to their yard.