Cover image courtesy of Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
It was the 11th time the awards have taken place with the QT hotel home to the event hosted by racing media personalities Ally Mosley and James Tzaferis.
Seven categories were in place to honour the contributions of staff in racing and breeding establishments across the country with the star of the night being the Leadership Award and Thoroughbred Excellence Award winner Paul Reid.
Godolphin's Osborne Park based assistant trainer since 2012, he was a popular winner on the back of a career that goes back to the Woodlands days; Reid having worked with such outstanding gallopers as Lonhro, Sepoy, Guelph (Exceed And Excel) and Helmet.
The Dedication To Racing Award went to Thoroughbred Industry Careers' Tracy O’Hara who has done such a great job mentoring children via the of Thoroughbred Industry Careers National Pony Racing Series.
A third-time finalist, Julie Bramucci, took home the Thoroughbred Care And Welfare Award for her work with off the track (OTT) thoroughbreds. She is renowned for her love of all horses, from her St Leonards (Victoria) base also re-training and rehoming standardbreds.
The Administration And Ancillary Services Award went to another dedicated racing woman with the McEvoy Mitchell Racing stable's Ellen Hodge taking the prize with Tony McEvoy noting that it was “wonderful recognition of Ellen’s hard work, dedication, and the vital role she plays behind the scenes.”
Widden Stud's Matt Comerford won the Dedication To Breeding Award with another Hunter Valley stalwart in Denis Gilmanov of Segenhoe Stud NSW winning the Horsemanship Award.
The Awards are a tribute not only to those who have worked in the game for years but also an encouragement for those just starting their equine careers. The Newcomer Award category is always keenly contested, this year going to Olivia Klug who works at the Cranbourne stables of Mick Kent.
Senator The Honourable Anthony Chisolm and special guests Julia Battams and Kate Nipperess from Equine Pathways Australia presented the awards which were decided by a voluntary judging panel consisting of Johan Petzer, Melissa Weatherley, Basil Nolan, Jenny Watson, Mary Capuano, James Tzaferis, Troy Corstens and Hazel Fertier.
