GREAT news emerged this week from Australia, and it came in the form of a well-deserved windfall of Aus$10,000 (€6,300) and trophy. The recipient was Irishman David Hanratty, a graduate of the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Management Course in 2002.

The occasion was the Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards, supported by Godolphin, and David was shortlisted in the leadership category. This award is for an individual in a managerial or supervisory role who has displayed a range of qualities, notably people management, mentoring and support of staff, commitment to continuous improvement, and displaying good business acumen.