Godolphin is the new principal sponsor of the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

The awards recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff and acknowledge the huge contribution they make to the racing industry.

The awards will be presented at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge, Co Kildare, on Tuesday, April 14th, and are divided into 10 categories, which carry total prize-money of €70,000.

The winner of each of the five main categories will receive a cash prize of €5,000 each and a trophy. The two runners-up in each of these categories will receive €500 each. An additional €4,000 will also be awarded to the winner's yard or stud. The winner of the five main categories will be also be nominated for the Irish Racing Excellence Award and win an additional €5,000 and €5,000 for their yard or stud.

The winner of the Dedication to Racing, Lifelong Learning, Ancillary Services and the Racecourse Grooms’ Canteen Award will each receive €2,500 and a trophy.

Brian Kavanagh, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: "HRI warmly welcomes the sponsorship by Godolphin of the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards. Irish stud and stable staff are admired the world over and form the backbone of our industry. It is great to see their dedication and skills being recognised by Godolphin in such a tangible and generous fashion."

Bernard Caldwell of the Irish Stablestaff Association, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the contribution being made by Godolphin to our annual stable staff awards. We look forward to working with Godolphin to recognise and reward the great employees we have in our industry.”

Godolphin spokesman Hugh Anderson said: "Godolphin is very proud to be sponsoring the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards. After the success of the British version of these awards over many years we are convinced that this is wonderful way to honour and reward the skill and dedication of those who are the backbone of our industry. We encourage trainers, stud managers, owners and stable staff to nominate people whom they feel deserves an award for their hard work and professionalism."

The 2015 Award winners will be chosen by a selection panel comprised of individuals representing the ISA and a single representative from HRI, Irish Racehorse Trainers’ Association, the Turf Club and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

Nominations are open until Wednesday, March 18th and can be made by anyone within the industry. Trainers, owners, managers and colleagues are encouraged to nominate. Forms will be distributed by the ISA and HRI.

All nominations must include a rationale for why the nominated individual should be selected along with a minimum of two referees who can be contacted directly by the panel.