Cover Image courtesy of Racing SA
Formerly the Stud and Stable Staff Awards, the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards celebrate the people who keep the horses we love so dearly in fit and healthy condition.
Introduced by Godolphin in 2015, the awards shifted from Racing Australia to the Thoroughbred Breeders Australia in 2026 with Godolphin continuing their commitment as principal partner of the Awards.
“Whether you work in breeding, racing, welfare, administration, education, media, transport or any other part of the industry, we are all here because of the horse,” TBA and Aushorse CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy said.
Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award
The inaugural ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Godolphin, was awarded to legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney.
“Bruce has told so many of Australian sport’s greatest stories, including some of racing’s most memorable moments,” Hore-Lacy said.
“His voice is part of the soundtrack of racing in this country, and his respect for the horse, the people and the emotion of the sport has helped bring those stories into homes across Australia.
“To recognise Bruce as the inaugural recipient of the ATIEA Lifetime Achievement Award is incredibly special, and a fitting tribute to someone whose contribution to racing has been felt across generations.”
Andrew Hore-Lacy | Image courtesy of Thoroughbred Breeders Association
Award winners across the industry
The full list of award winners is:
Dedication to Racing Award (sponsored by Yulong Stud) - Brett Killion (QLD)
Dedication to Breeding Award (sponsored by Magic Millions) - Verna Metcalfe (NSW)
Horsemanship Award (sponsored by Inglis) - Arda Tascioglu (NSW)
Leadership Award (sponsored by AgriFutures Australia) - Neasham Clegg (VIC)
Administrative and Ancillary Services Award (sponsored by The Straight) - Matt Harrington (VIC)
Thoroughbred Care and Welfare Award (sponsored by Queensland Off The Track) - Alexandra Kelly (QLD)
Newcomer Award (sponsored by the Australian Trainers’ Association) - Cooper Albers (VIC)
“These Awards matter because they recognise people who are often not in the spotlight. The people who are up before dawn. The people who stay late. The people who notice when a horse is not quite right. The people who teach, lead, care, organise, mentor and keep the whole industry moving,” Hore-Lacy said.
“While the horses often become the names we remember, it is the people who give them that chance. Tonight was about acknowledging those people, and making sure their contribution is seen, valued and celebrated.
“To every winner and finalist, congratulations. Your recognition reflects the skill, care and commitment you bring to the industry every day, and you should be enormously proud.”
