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