Finalists from across the country within the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry have been selected for the 2021 Australian Stud and Stable Staff Awards (SSSA).
With awards in seven categories and more than $100,000 in prizemoney, the SSSA offer substantial reward and recognition of the work, contribution and time given by those whose work is mostly performed behind the scenes.
Staged by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Racing Australia, the Awards are sponsored by MRC Foundation, Australian Turf Club, Magic Millions, Inglis and supported by Godolphin.
The SSSA offers a $10,000 cash prize to the winners in the areas of Leadership, Horsemanship, Dedication to Breeding, Dedication to Racing, Administrative and Ancillary Services and Thoroughbred Care and Welfare, with a further $1,000 in each category to be shared among their workplace colleagues.
The runner-up in each category receives $3,000.
The SSSA also include a Newcomer Award that carries a $5,000 prize plus an educational experience in Dubai (Covid permitting).
In addition, an overall Thoroughbred Excellence Award of $5,000 is made to the outstanding individual from among the category winners.
The winners as judged by a panel led by South Australia’s chief steward Johan Petzer will be announced at a ceremony on the Gold Coast on 26 May.
The finalists chosen from over 170 entries are:
ADMINISTRATION AND ANCILLARY SERVICES
Jess Hood – Arrowfield NSW
Cassandra Simmonds – Magic Millions QLD
DEDICATION TO BREEDING
Carla Aliphon – CityView Farm VIC
Steve Brien- Twin Hills Stud NSW
DEDICATION TO RACING
Gary Fennessy – Lindsay Park VIC
John Brady – Waterhouse Bott NSW
HORSEMANSHIP
Mandy Radecker – Michael Lakey QLD
Adam Shankley – Arrowfield NSW
NEWCOMER AWARD
Fiona Bayly – Ciaron Maher Racing VIC
Jack Cripps – McEvoy Mitchell Racing VIC
LEADERSHIP
Samantha Parkes – Godolphin NSW
David Hanratty – Yarradale WA
THOROUGHBRED CARE AND WELFARE
Jade Willis – JW Equestrian VIC
Jordan Priest – Eureka Stud QLD