Award categories

Please note, all nominees for the Newcomer, Leadership, Rider Groom, Dedication and Stud categories must be employed in either British-based studs or BHA licensed racing yards. Stable employees should also be entered on the BHA’s Stable Employee Register.

Newcomer Award

Prize money – £2,000 to winner, match funded with £2,000 to the winner’s yard/stud. £1,000 to both runners-up, with £1,000 awarded to each runners-up yard/stud.

Eligibility – Open to racing yard and stud employees who have worked in the racing or breeding industry for less than three years as of 24 February 2025 (e.g. racing grooms, stud grooms, yard staff, work riders and administration staff).
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Qualities:

  • Has made a positive impact since their arrival.
  • Desire to learn, improve and progress their skills and knowledge.
  • Motivated and committed to being an integral part of the team and showing ambition for a career in the industry.
  • If working in a horse-facing role, demonstrates commitment to care of the horse and their welfare and developing their horsemanship skills.
  • Excellent work ethic, team spirit and willingness to help.

Video – Hollie Wiltshire winner of the 2024 David Nicholson Newcomer Award.

 

Leadership Award

Prize money – £5,000 to winner, match funded with £5,000 awarded to winner’s yard/stud. £2,000 to both runners-up, with £2,000 awarded to each runners-up yard/stud.

Eligibility: Open to racing yard and stud employees carrying out a leadership or supervisory role, managing two or more staff (e.g. head groom, travelling head person, assistant trainers, stud manager/groom, office manager).
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Qualities:

  • Demonstrates excellent leadership and strong managerial qualities.
  • Committed to mentoring, motivating and supporting their colleagues.
  • Takes a genuine interest in human and equine welfare and the development of less experienced members of the team.
  • Leads by example in their conduct and demonstrates positive values and behaviours. 
  • Able to organise the work of the yard or stud farm in the absence of their superior. 
  • Ensures the environment in which they work is inclusive, involving and empowering team members and demonstrating respect for the talents, beliefs, and ways of living of their team.

Video – Cheryl Armstrong winner of the 2024 Leadership Award.

 

Rider/Racing Groom Award

Prize money – £5,000 to the winner, £5,000 match funded to the winner’s yard. £2,000 awarded the two runners-up, with £2,000 awarded to each runners-up yard.

Eligibility: Open to all racing yard employees (e.g. work riders, racing and stud grooms).
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Qualities:

  • Excellent horsemanship.
  • Prioritises and is committed to the highest standards of horse welfare.
  • Team spirit, attention to detail and reliability.
  • Contributes to the overall performance of the yard through their commitment in and out of the saddle.

Video -Lyndsey Bull winner of the 2024 Rider/Racing Groom Award.

 

Stud Award

Prize money – £5,000 to the winner, £5,000 match funded to the winner’s stud. £2,000 awarded to both runners-up, and £2,000 awarded to each runners-up stud.

Eligibility: Open to all stud employees (e.g. stud manager, stallion handler, stud groom, foaling specialist, stud secretary).
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Qualities:

  • Positive contributor to the performance of the stud through their passion and dedication for the breeding industry.
  • Excellent horsemanship (if applicable).
  • If working in a horse-racing role, prioritises and is committed to the highest standards of horse welfare.
  • Is reliable and demonstrates strong attention to detail.
  • Supports and contributes to healthy team spirit.

Video – David Porter-Mackrell winner of the 2024 Stud Award.

 

Dedication Award

Prize money – £5,000 to the winner, with £5,000 match funded to the winner’s yard/stud. £2,000 awarded to both runners-up, and £2,000 to each runners-up yard/stud.

Eligibility: Open to racing yard and stud employees who have worked in the racing or breeding industry for more than 15 years including those in administrative and office roles.
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Qualities:

  • Dedication and passion for their job and the wider racing industry.
  • Has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience that is of great benefit to their employer, team, horses and the industry as a whole.
  • Loyalty, perseverance, commitment and continued passion.

Video – Brian Taylor winner of the 2024 Dedication Award.

 

Community Award

Prize money – £5,000 to the winner, with £5,000 match funded to the charity of their choice. £2,000 awarded to both runners-up, and £2,000 awarded to the charities of their choice.

Eligibility: Open to any individual connected to British horseracing, as an employee or in a voluntary capacity, including in supporting services or administrative roles. This award is for someone who goes above and beyond their day-to-day role to make a positive difference to the lives of the industry people, racehorses or the communities in which racing and breeding operate, demonstrating social responsibility and championing the values of our sport.
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Qualities:

  • Selfless, charitable, and passionate.
  • Volunteers or fundraises for the benefit of racing’s people or horses, or in support of racing’s local communities.
  • Demonstrably goes above and beyond the requirements of their everyday role ensuring that anyone connected with racing feels welcome, supported and appreciated.
  • An individual who goes above and beyond their role to make a positive impact to the lives of either the horses or people within the sport.
  • A champion of the values of our sport, who has made a positive difference to the lives of individuals, groups or local/diverse communities connected with racing.

This award was introduced in 2016, in conjunction with Racing Welfare.

Video – Lauren Semple recognising her work supporting Scottish Racing Academy, winner of the 2024 Community Award