Equitas Congratulates the Finalists for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, Sponsored by Godolphin
Equitas is delighted to celebrate the announcement of the 18 finalists for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, now in their 21st year. Sponsored by Godolphin, these prestigious awards honour the extraordinary talent, dedication, and commitment of individuals working across the British racing and breeding industry.
The finalists will gather at York Racecourse on Monday, 24 February 2025, for the final round of judging and a glittering awards ceremony. Hosted by Rishi Persad, the event will feature special guest appearances by double Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett MBE and dual champion Flat Jockey and Godolphin-retained rider William Buick. It promises to be a night to remember as the six category winners and the overall Employee of the Year are revealed.
Celebrating Excellence with Generous Rewards
Thanks to the incredible support of Godolphin, the total prize fund for the awards stands at £128,500. Each category winner and runner-up will receive a share of this generous sum, with the Employee of the Year receiving an outstanding £30,000, which is shared with their yard or stud. This life-changing award was won in 2024 by David Porter-Mackrell of Newsells Park Stud.
Acknowledging Hard Work and Dedication
The finalists were selected through a rigorous judging process that began with over 200 nominations. An expert panel first narrowed this to a shortlist of ten in each category before finalising the top three. Those shortlisted but not progressing to the final will each receive a £250 prize in recognition of their exceptional contributions.
Words of Congratulations from Industry Leaders
Brant Dunshea, Acting Chief Executive of the BHA, praised the finalists:
"My sincere congratulations to this year’s finalists. This is a wonderful accomplishment and deserved recognition for your contribution to British racing and breeding. The judging process was extremely competitive, and all nominees should be proud of their achievements. We are grateful to Godolphin and our partners for supporting this celebration of excellence in our industry."
Hugh Anderson, Managing Director of Godolphin (UK and Dubai), added:
"Congratulations to every finalist—this is a significant achievement. The judging panel faced a difficult task in selecting 18 representatives who exemplify the best of our industry. We look forward to celebrating their success at York Racecourse."
Introducing the 2025 Finalists
Newcomer Award
- Tina St. John – William Haggas
- Tyla Macfarlane – Andrew Balding
- Uwitonze Wenham-Beckford – Karl Burke
Leadership Award
- Ivo Thomas – Tweenhills
- Mark Ellwood – Nick Alexander
- Rachael Lytham – Greenall Guerriero Racing
Rider / Racing Groom Award
- Emma Kettlewell – Karl Burke
- Sarah Macdonald – Julia Feilden
- Simone Meloni – Nicky Henderson
Stud Award
- Fiona McGlone – Hascombe & Valiant Stud
- Kelly Stevens – Littleton Stud
- Kim Skolfield – Newsells Park Stud
Dedication Award
- Anthony Smith – Karl Burke
- Jane Smith – John Ryan
- Joe Scally – Roger Varian
Community Award
- Anne Richardson – HEROS Charity
- Jacqui Greet – Ascot Racecourse
- Sally Lyons – Great British Racing
Equitas congratulates all finalists and wishes them the very best as they approach the final stage of judging. This celebration of excellence and commitment showcases the heart of British racing and breeding, and we look forward to recognising these remarkable individuals.
Information given from britishhorseracing.com
