Three Kildare winners at horse racing industry awards

There were three Kildare winners at the national awards for exceptional dedication and skill in the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.

Paul Croke (farm manager) and Katie Peale (assistant farm manager) both of Bert House, Athy and Oliver Geraghty (stud manager/groom at Castle Farm Stud), Narraghmore have been recognised at Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin and supported by the Irish Stable Staff Association, Horse Racing Ireland, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the Racing Post.

Katie received the newcomer award.

The awards ceremony will take place in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, County Kildare on Tuesday 3 June where the flagship award – The Irish Racing Excellence Award - will be announced and presented to one of the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winners.

The winner of the Racecourse Award, chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association and based on a quality programme evaluation, is Roscommon Racecourse.

Each Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy by sculptor Ani Mollereau and €4,000. In addition, €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, Roscommon 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.

Joe Osborne, managing director, Godolphin Ireland, said: “All of us at Godolphin are delighted to continue our support of these awards. We are particularly grateful to the many nominators who took the time and put in the effort to praise their industry colleagues.”