Nominations to open for the second annual Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

Nominations will open on Monday, May 8th, for the 2017 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards which were held in America for the first time in 2016. Nominations can be submitted until Tuesday, August 1st, at midnight. This year, there will be a total of six awards which will carry total prize money of $128,000, an increase of $13,000 over last year.

Godolphin, the global racing stable founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the principal sponsor of the awards in association with The Jockey Club, The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders’ Association (TOBA). Godolphin also sponsors the equivalent Stud and Stable Staff Awards in Ireland, Australia, Britain and France.

The Keeneland Association has graciously offered to host the awards again this year which will take place on Friday, October 13th.

A new award category has been added, “The Newcomer Award,” which will recognize an individual who has been working in any area of Thoroughbred racing and/or breeding for less than five years as of May 8th, 2017. In addition to the prize money for this award, the winner will also receive a five-day educational tour to Dubai with flights and accommodation included.

Dan Pride, COO of Godolphin in America, said, “On behalf of Godolphin, we would like to thank everyone that made the first year of the TIEAs a huge success, including the nominators. The involvement of the HBPA, Jockey Club and TOBA, as well as media support from the TDN, BloodHorse, the Daily Racing Form and TVG, was instrumental in bringing these awards to fruition. The first group of nominees was so impressive across the board and we fully expect to see that again this year. It’s extremely heartwarming that the hardworking men and women in our industry receive the recognition that they truly deserve.”

For more information and to nominate online, please go to www.godolphinusawards.com. You’ll also be able to watch the video of the 2016 ceremony, view frequently asked questions and download the nomination form.