Nine outstanding winners for the 2026 Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ITIEA), supported by Godolphin, the Irish Stable Staff Association, HRI Equuip, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the Racing Post, were announced today.

These awards recognise the exceptional dedication, skill, and passion of the people who form the backbone of Ireland’s world-renowned thoroughbred racing and breeding sector.

Now in its 10th year of Godolphin sponsorship, the awards have been celebrating a decade of excellence across a range of roles, highlighting the vital contributions made by employees at every level of the industry—from breeding and stud work to racing operations and administration.

The winners will be formally celebrated at an awards ceremony on Tuesday June 2nd in the Keadeen Hotel in County Kildare, where the flagship award – The Irish Racing Excellence Award - will be announced and presented to one of the eight individual winners.

Listowel Racecourse is the winner of the Racecourse Award. Chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association, this accolade recognises the County Kerry racecourse’s exceptional commitment. Based a on quality programme evaluation, all racecourses across Ireland were assessed on various criteria, including the standard of facilities, amenities, and the overall environment provided for the industry's dedicated workforce.

Each of the award winners will receive a specially commissioned trophy by sculptor Ani Mollereau and €4,000. In addition, for the Newcomer Award, Administration Award, Ancillary Services Award and Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winners, €2,500 will be awarded to their employers to be used for the benefit of each winner’s colleagues.

Along with an Ani Mollereau trophy, Listowel Racecourse will receive €2,500 to be spent on upgrading facilities that will benefit stable employees.

The Irish Racing Excellence Award winner will receive an additional €5,000 and €2,500 for their employer to be used for the benefit of their work colleagues.

This year’s eight individual award winners are:

Newcomer Award: Michelle Mallon, Stud Hand, Newtown Stud, Naas, County Kildare

Administration Award: Stephanie Kennedy, Marketing, Client Relations and PA, Ballylinch Stud, Thomastown, County Kilkenny

Ancillary Award: John Wixted, Stall Handler, Horse Racing Ireland, Ballymany, County Kildare

Irish Thoroughbred Industry Award winners:

David Christie Jnr, Assistant Trainer, David Christie, Derrylin, County Fermanagh

Aoife Dempsey, Head Girl, Ted and Katie Walsh, Kill, County Kildare

Jack Madden, Travelling Head Lad, Gordon Elliott, Longwood, County Meath

Brian Moloney, Head Travelling Lad, John McConnell, Stamullen, County Meath

David Porter, Head Lad, Willie Mullins, Closutton, County Carlow

Each recipient was selected following a competitive nomination and judging process, with candidates evaluated on their commitment, professionalism, and impact within their respective roles.

Jimmy Hyland, CEO, Godolphin Ireland, commented: “Godolphin’s continued support of the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards underscores our commitment to recognising and nurturing talent across the global racing and breeding community. We are proud to support these awards, which highlight the incredible people who dedicate their careers to the thoroughbred industry. Their expertise and commitment are essential to the success of the sport.”