The finalists are today announced for The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2012, with the judging panel once again agonising over their decision as a result of the exceptional quality of those Staff put forward.

The fifteen finalists shall now attend a judging day, to be held at the London offices of the British Horseracing Authority on Sunday 26 February, where the Category Winners shall be agreed, along with the Winner of the prestigious ‘Employee of the Year’ title. The finalists will then attend the Awards Ceremony at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel the following day, Monday 27 February, where two-times Champion Flat Jockey, Paul Hanagan, will be presenting each of the finalists with their prizes.

The winner of the NASS Special Merit Award, an independent Award judged by the NASS Executive Council, will also attend the Awards Ceremony to be presented with their award.

Brough Scott, Chairman of the Panel for the final time this year, commented:

“These are the awards that renew the faith in the dedication and talent in the heart of the game. Being a judge is not just a pleasure – it is an inspiration.”

Robin Mounsey, Communications Manager for the British Horseracing Authority, added:

“Despite the tough task of choosing between the candidates, one thing the judging panel all agreed upon was the extraordinarily high calibre of those short-listed, and the wealth of talented, dedicated individuals that reside within our industry. We wish all the finalists the best of luck, and hope they enjoy their thoroughly deserved time in the spotlight at the Awards Ceremony.”

Sponsor Godolphin will again provide a generous prize fund of £120,000 to be presented to the finalists and their respective Yards and Studs at the Awards Ceremony. The overall Employee of the Year shall also be awarded the perpetual Godolphin Trophy, a memento of their significant success in being awarded this title.

The finalists for The Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards 2012 are as follows: