Nominations for the 10th Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards opened on Wednesday at the awards launch in Godolphin’s Kildangan Stud in County Kildare.

Sponsored by Godolphin and supported by the Irish Stable Staff Association, Horse Racing Ireland, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the Racing Post, the awards recognise and reward the exceptional skills, experience and dedication of the women and men in the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry and offer €60,000 in prize money across 10 award categories for the winners and their workplace colleagues.

Among those in attendance to mark the 10th Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards were previous Irish Racing Excellence Award winners – Pat O’Donovan (2015) Assistant Trainer to Jim Bolger, husband and wife Jimmy O’Neill (2016) and Audrey O’Neill (2019) Assistant Trainer and Exercise Rider and Groom for John Oxx. Valerie Keatley (2021) Head Girl for Johnny Murtagh, Brian Delahunt (2022), Stud Groom at Baroda Stud and 2025 winner Siobhan Sheridan, Yard and Foaling Unit Manager for Olive O’Connor Bloodstock in County Wicklow.

Anyone can nominate a friend or colleague for an award. Nominations are open until 5pm on Friday February 13 and must be completed online at www.itiea.org

The nomination process has been simplified for the 2026 awards. In previous years nominators were required to write a detailed profile of their nominee. This year the nominator will be contacted by a representative of Naas-based Clark People Solutions who will complete the nominee profiles by phone.

In addition to a Newcomer Award, there are five Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, an Administration Award and an Ancillary Services Award. All winners are then eligible for the Irish Racing Excellence Award, which will be announced at the awards ceremony. The Racecourse Award winner, chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association, will also be revealed on the awards night.

The Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards ceremony will take place in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, County Kildare on Tuesday June 2nd.