Written by Richard Edmunds
For the fifth consecutive year, the Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards will recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff across Australia, with the winners to be announced on September 6.
The finalists in the Leadership Award (Stud or Stable) category are Godolphin’s Simon Johnson and Vinery Stud’s David White.
Both boast outstanding horsemanship and administration credentials, but have been nominated by their colleagues for their leadership qualities.
“Simon takes on much more than a managerial role,” said Johnson’s nominator, Kylie Mills. “He goes above and beyond for all the staff at Woodlands and is a leading mentor.
“He goes above and beyond for all the staff at Woodlands and is a leading mentor." - Kylie Mills
“To foster the careers and encourage the next generation the way Simon does is a constant demonstration of the person he is. We are lucky to have him.”
Johnson grew up around horses in South Australia and studied numerous aspects of the industry at TAFE and university. Prior to becoming assistant manager at Godolphin’s Woodlands Stud in New South Wales, he worked at Haunui Farm in New Zealand, Emirates Park Stud and Godolphin’s Kelvinside property.
He believes it is essential that those in senior positions in the industry pass on their experience and knowledge to the next generation.
“We have a duty to give everyone who comes into the industry and who shows a willingness to learn the opportunity to advance themselves,” Johnson said.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from sharing what I know with the great people we have at Godolphin and at Woodlands. These awards recognise not so much the people like me, but all of those who give so much to ensure the farm and the industry are successful.”
David White was nominated by his boss, Vinery Stud’s managing director Peter Orton.
David White of Vinery Stud
“Dave shows incredible kindness and patience to nurture and enhance the skills of young people,” Orton said.
“He is selfless with his time and, in particular, Dave gives great assistance to young people from troubled backgrounds.”
“Dave shows incredible kindness and patience to nurture and enhance the skills of young people." - Peter Orton
Prior to his current role of manager at Vinery Stud, White gained experience at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, Westbury Stud in New Zealand and Woodside Park in Victoria.
While he was a reluctant nominee for this category, he praised the awards for their recognition of the industry’s unsung heroes.
“There are plenty of young people who would be better off getting an award than me,” he said. “(But the awards are) a rare opportunity for so many in the industry to be recognised.
“People out there don’t know how a horse gets to the racetrack, how many people are involved in getting them to that point.
“So for the industry as a whole, it is a great thing to have these awards to shine a light on how it happens. I’m very grateful and most honoured to be a finalist.”
